'Netanyahu will do what I want': Trump on Iran tensions, jokes about running Israel

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will do whatever I want him to do" regarding Iran, as Washington said negotiations with Tehran were entering the "final stages."

Speaking to reporters, Trump said Netanyahu would follow his lead on any possible military action against Iran. "He'll do whatever I want him to do. He's a very good man," Trump remarked, while also defending the Israeli leader against domestic criticism. In a lighter moment, Trump joked about entering Israeli politics himself, saying, "Maybe after I do this, I'll go to Israel, run for prime minister," before claiming he was "at 99 per cent in Israel" in a poll.

Trump's remarks came as political uncertainty grew in Israel. Lawmakers advanced a bill backed by Netanyahu's ruling coalition that could dissolve parliament and trigger early elections. If the proposal receives final approval, Israel would head to elections within 90 days instead of waiting until the scheduled vote at the end of the legislative term on October 27. Surveys suggest Netanyahu could face a difficult contest if elections are held early.

The comments also coincided with rising tensions over Iran and stalled diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Six weeks after Trump paused Operation Epic Fury as part of a ceasefire push, negotiations have made limited progress.

"We're in the final stages of Iran. We'll see what happens. Either have a deal, or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty," Trump said, adding that he still preferred diplomacy over military escalation.

The US President further claimed Iran's navy and air force had been "wiped out," while warning that future strikes could be "even harder" if Tehran failed to reach an agreement. At the same time, reports suggested progress in backchannel diplomacy. According to Al Arabiya, efforts are underway to finalise the text of a possible agreement between Washington and Tehran, with an announcement potentially expected within hours.

Iran, however, sharply criticised Trump's remarks. The country's Revolutionary Guards warned that any renewed attack would spark retaliation extending beyond West Asia.

"If aggression against Iran is repeated, the promised regional war will extend beyond the region this time," the Guards said in a statement.

Meanwhile, diplomatic outreach continued as Pakistan's interior minister arrived in Tehran on Wednesday. Pakistan has so far hosted the only direct round of peace talks and has continued to act as a communication channel between both sides.