WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has rejected a suggestion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to encourage unrest in Iran aimed at toppling its government, according to an American news report.
The report said Netanyahu proposed last week that the United States support efforts to bring people onto the streets in Iran, arguing that the Iranian government was facing internal chaos and that the situation could be used to further weaken it.
However, Trump reportedly dismissed the idea. He is said to have responded by questioning the consequences of such a move, warning that calling people into the streets could result in heavy casualties.
The report also said Trump has avoided making regime change in Iran an immediate objective, signaling a more cautious approach amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have temporarily removed two senior Iranian officials from their reported target list. These officials include Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Baqir Qalibaf.
According to the publication, American officials said the move was intended to keep diplomatic options open. The two officials have reportedly been taken off the target list for four to five days to allow space for possible high-level talks aimed at ending the conflict.
Officials indicated that President Trump has opened the door to negotiations as part of efforts to prevent further escalation and explore a potential path toward peace.
