Netanyahu, Trump At Odds Over Gas Field Strike As Conflicting Claims Raise Questions

Last Updated:March 20, 2026, 10:24 IST

According to official figures, the conflict has so far claimed at least 1,300 lives in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon and 14 in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday dismissed reports suggesting that Israel had “dragged" the United States into a conflict with Iran, calling such claims “fake news" and insisting that no one can dictate decisions to US President Donald Trump.

His remarks came amid conflicting accounts over a recent Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf. While Trump said the United States had no prior knowledge of the attack, Israeli officials indicated that Washington had been informed in advance, though it did not participate in the operation.

Also Read ‘Can Anyone Tell Trump What To Do?’ Netanyahu Rejects Claims Israel ‘Dragged’ US Into Iran Conflict

Netanyahu stressed that Israel acted independently, adding that suggestions of influencing US policy were “ridiculous," and reiterated that Trump makes decisions based on what he considers best for America.

“This canard that we dragged the United States into this is not just a canard it’s ridiculous. Does anyone really think that someone can tell President (Donald) Trump what to do? Come on," he said, adding that Trump “always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America."

According to sources cited by the Associated Press, Israel carried out the strike on Wednesday after giving prior intimation to US officials.

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The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it remained uncertain whether the US administration supported Israel’s decision to strike the gas facility, which is part of the world’s largest natural gas reserve and plays a key role in Iran’s energy supply.

Trump Distances Himself From Israel’s Oil Field Strike

Meanwhile, Trump said late Wednesday that Israel carried out the strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, adding that neither the United States nor Qatar was involved.

In a social media post, Trump said Israel had targeted a section of the major gas facility “out of anger" over developments in the Middle East, stressing that Washington had no prior knowledge of the attack and that Qatar was “in no way" involved.

Trump warned that Israel would hold off on further strikes on the South Pars field unless Iran escalates by targeting Qatar again. In that case, he said, the United States would respond with overwhelming force against the facility, even without Israel’s involvement.

Trump said he was reluctant to authorise such large-scale destruction due to its long-term consequences, but warned that the US would respond decisively if Qatar’s LNG assets were targeted again.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen," wrote Trump.

According to official figures, the conflict has so far claimed at least 1,300 lives in Iran, more than 960 in Lebanon and 14 in Israel. The US military has reported 13 American service members killed and around 200 wounded.

News world Netanyahu, Trump At Odds Over Gas Field Strike As Conflicting Claims Raise Questions

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