Former US Secretary of State Reveals Trump Alone Accepted Netanyahu's Iran Attack Plan

Kerry says only Trump agreed to Israel's demands to go to war with Iran, despite opposition from previous US presidents.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:06am

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A solitary figure, likely a government official, stands alone in a dimly lit urban setting, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and the weight of political decisions.A former US Secretary of State's revelations about past presidential decisions on military conflicts expose the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.Lebanon Today

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly approached multiple US presidents, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden, with requests to join Israel in a war with Iran. However, Kerry says that only former President Donald Trump agreed to Netanyahu's demands during his second term, despite opposition from other US leaders who were aware of the dangers of such a conflict.

Why it matters

This revelation sheds light on the complex geopolitical dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran, and raises questions about the motivations behind the US's military involvement in the Middle East. It also highlights the influence that foreign leaders can have on US foreign policy decisions, even when those decisions may not align with America's own national interests.

The details

According to Kerry, Netanyahu approached three previous US presidents - Obama, Bush, and Biden - with plans to attack Iran, but all of them rejected the proposal. However, during Trump's second term as president, the former Israeli prime minister was able to convince the US leader to join Israel in a military conflict with Iran. This came shortly after Trump had withdrawn the US from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and increased sanctions on the country.

  • In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and increased sanctions on Iran.
  • During Trump's second term as president, Netanyahu was able to convince him to join Israel in a military conflict with Iran.

The players

John Kerry

Former US Secretary of State who served during the Obama administration and has inside knowledge of the situation.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister who has served three consecutive terms since 1996 and has repeatedly tried to drag the US into a war with Iran.

Donald Trump

Former US President who, during his second term, agreed to Netanyahu's demands to join Israel in a war with Iran, despite opposition from previous US presidents.

Barack Obama

Former US President who rejected Netanyahu's plans to attack Iran.

Joe Biden

Current US President who also opposed Netanyahu's plans to attack Iran.

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What they’re saying

“Netanyahu also presented plans to attack Iran during the Obama presidency. Obama rejected the plan. Other US presidents, including Joe Biden and George W. Bush, also opposed the plans.”

— John Kerry, Former US Secretary of State

“Trump needs to confront Netanyahu. Netanyahu's continued bombing of Lebanon, which has been killing civilians for weeks, threatens to plunge the region into further chaos and undermine the ceasefire. Trump must maintain the ceasefire with Iran at all costs and prevent Israel from escalating the conflict in the Middle East.”

— James McGovern, Democratic Congressman

What’s next

The Biden administration will likely face increased pressure to address the revelations about Trump's alignment with Netanyahu's Iran war plans, as well as ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran in the region.

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between the US, Israel, and Iran, and the way that foreign leaders can exert influence over US foreign policy decisions. It raises questions about the motivations behind military interventions and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.