Jerusalem, 24 March (H.S.):

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that he had spoken with US President Donald Trump, emphasizing that any potential deal with Iran must protect Israel's vital security interests amid ongoing military operations.

In a video statement released that evening, Netanyahu highlighted Trump's belief that recent battlefield successes by US and Israeli forces could pave the way for negotiations to end the conflict, now in its fourth week.

Netanyahu stressed Israel would continue striking targets in both Iran and Lebanon without pause, even as Trump announced a five-day delay on US attacks against Iranian power plants.

He claimed the operations were dismantling Iran's missile and nuclear programs while delivering heavy blows to Hezbollah, noting that Israeli forces had eliminated two more Iranian nuclear scientists just days earlier.

This is not the end, Netanyahu added, underscoring Jerusalem's resolve to neutralize threats regardless of diplomatic overtures.

The Israeli leader's remarks followed Trump's revelation of very good talks with a senior Iranian figure, reportedly Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a key global oil chokepoint Iran has restricted.

Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum over the weekend, threatening to obliterate Iran's energy infrastructure if the strait remained closed, but postponed action to allow negotiations. Ghalibaf swiftly denied any direct discussions on X, accusing the US of market manipulation to ease oil price pressures.

Tensions remain high, with Israel conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, while Iran and its proxies fire back at Israeli and regional targets.

Netanyahu's office reiterated that talks, if pursued, must address Iran's ballistic missiles and support for proxy militias like Hezbollah.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt cautioned against speculation, insisting only official announcements reflect US positions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar