Netanyahu claims media role in US Iran policy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that his extensive media appearances and deep familiarity with U.S. leaders were instrumental in persuading the United States to extend its military campaign against Iran. Netanyahu made these remarks during a Hebrew-language interview on Israel's Channel 14, a clip of which was later shared on social media. The Israeli leader stated that his nearly 40-year opposition to Iran took a significant amount of time to translate into U.S. policy. He credited approximately one thousand hours of appearances on American television and his intimate knowledge of U.S. leaders for building the influence needed to shift Washington's stance. These comments come as the U.S. and Israel continue military operations against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Netanyahu's statements have drawn criticism from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Netanyahu of manipulating the U.S. administration into a war on Israel's behalf, writing on X that the Israeli leader openly boasted about influencing America through extensive airtime.