Trump Took War Advice From Netanyahu at White House Meeting, Says Russian Senator

Pushkov claims Trump decided to go to war with Iran under Netanyahu's influence, despite some officials' concerns.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:04am

An abstract, fragmented painting in warm tones depicting overlapping images of a politician's hand and a missile launch, conveying the high-stakes nature of political decision-making around war.A fractured, high-energy painting captures the chaos and tension as political leaders make fateful decisions about war.NYC Today

According to Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov, former US President Donald Trump made the decision to go to war against Iran during a White House meeting, under the direct influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was present. Pushkov claims none of the officials in the situation room spoke out strongly against it, with Vice President Vance only saying it was a 'bad idea' but that he would support the president's decision, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman also not outright opposing it.

Why it matters

This account, if true, would raise serious questions about the independence of US foreign policy decisions and the extent to which they may have been influenced by foreign leaders like Netanyahu. It also suggests a lack of dissent or pushback from top US officials on a major decision to go to war.

The details

According to Pushkov's sources, Trump was brief in his response after Netanyahu presented a plan for regime change in Iran, simply saying 'It looks good to me!' and approving the military operation, despite some officials like Vice President Vance and the Joint Chiefs chairman raising concerns about the risks.

  • The White House meeting where Trump decided to go to war with Iran took place in 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who made the decision to go to war with Iran during a White House meeting.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Former Prime Minister of Israel who was present at the White House meeting and allegedly influenced Trump's decision to go to war with Iran.

Vice President Vance

The Vice President at the time, who said the decision to go to war was 'a bad idea' but said he would support the president's decision.

Kane

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who did not outright oppose the decision to go to war with Iran, though he listed the risks of a military operation.

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What they’re saying

“This is a bad idea”

— Vice President Vance, Vice President

“It looks good to me!”

— Donald Trump, President

What’s next

The decision to go to war with Iran under Trump's presidency is a major geopolitical development that will likely have far-reaching consequences. The full details and timeline of how this decision was made, and the role of key US and Israeli officials, will likely be the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation in the coming months and years.

The takeaway

This account, if accurate, suggests a troubling lack of independent decision-making and dissent within the highest levels of the US government on a decision to go to war, with foreign influence potentially playing a significant role. It raises concerns about the integrity of US foreign policy and the ability of the president to make unilateral decisions with major global implications.