Trump says Netanyahu will do "whatever I want him to do" on Iran

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do 'whatever I want him to do' regarding Iran, signaling direct influence over Israel’s stance. Trump also indicated the U.S. is in the 'final stages' of negotiations with Iran but emphasized that 'nasty' actions could follow if a deal is not reached. He previously halted planned strikes after Gulf allies urged restraint, citing progress in talks. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated with threats to expand the conflict 'beyond the region' if the U.S. or Israel resumed attacks, warning of 'crushing blows' in unspecified locations. The IRGC’s warning came after Trump revealed he had been 'an hour away' from ordering new strikes on Iran earlier in the week. In a separate development, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. Marines boarded and searched the Iranian-flagged oil tanker *M/T Celestial Sea*, suspected of violating the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The vessel was heading toward an Iranian port but was later released after being redirected, marking the 91st commercial ship altered to ensure compliance with the blockade. Global oil prices fell over 5% on Wednesday amid hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal, with Brent crude dropping to $105.47 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate to $98.94. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization also warned that the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global oil and a third of fertilizer shipments previously passed—could trigger a severe food price crisis. Meanwhile, Iran’s judiciary confirmed the arrest of former national soccer goalkeeper Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri, who was detained after allegedly attempting to cross the border illegally. His wife claimed his imprisonment stemmed from a deleted Instagram post in February criticizing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling him 'only a dark and passing chapter' in Iran’s history.