Trump's Shocking Statements: From Addressing Netanyahu to Threatening Iran

"He knows who the boss is"; Setting Terms for Netanyahu In a controversial phone interview with the media outlet "Axios" that has been widely reflected in international and Turkish media, Donald Trump spoke in explicit terms about his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Referring to Netanyahu's request for a meeting at the White House, Trump stated: "We have a very good relationship, but he knows who the boss is" [1][2]. These remarks, described as a "boss move" in Turkish media, indicate Trump's attempt to redefine the power hierarchy between Washington and Tel Aviv. This meeting is expected to take place after Trump returns from the NATO summit in Ankara, which is scheduled for July 7 and 8 [4].

Threat Amidst the Funeral: "They are all there..." Another part of Trump's statements that left the world in shock concerned Washington's close monitoring of the late Iranian leader's funeral. Trump claimed that all senior Iranian officials were present at the ceremony and added: "They are all there. With one shot, we could take them all out, but we won't do it because then there would be no one left to negotiate with" [1][2]. These words come as Iran holds mourning ceremonies for Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US and Israeli attacks in February 2026. Trump claimed in a dismissive tone that the Iranians are "begging" for a deal and that the tears shed at the ceremony might be "fake" [2][4].

Final Warning: End of Existence if Ceasefire is Violated The US President also issued sharp warnings regarding the future of military agreements. Referring to the 60-day ceasefire signed in mid-June, he emphasized that if Iran attacks international shipping again or violates the agreement, the United States will "finish the unfinished business" [3]. Trump explicitly warned: "If we are forced to resume the war, the Islamic Republic will no longer exist" [3]. In his speech marking the 250th anniversary of American independence (America 250), he claimed that Iran's armed forces had already been "destroyed" by the US military [1].

Diplomatic Implications and the NATO Summit in Ankara These statements were made just as Trump prepares to attend the NATO summit in Turkey. Analysts believe his harsh tone against Iran and his superior stance toward Netanyahu are clear messages to regional allies and rivals. While Netanyahu attempts to impose "Israel's vision" for final negotiations with Iran on Trump, the US President, by emphasizing that he is the "boss," showed that Washington's policies will not necessarily align with Tel Aviv's demands [4]. These tensions occur while global energy prices continue to fluctuate due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and the world watches the developments of the coming days with concern.