JUST IN: Netanyahu Warns Iran Ceasefire Could ‘Flip Like a Coin’ as Blockade Takes Effect
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday that the fragile two-week ceasefire with Iran could collapse “in a very short time” or “flip like a coin,” following the breakdown of high-stakes US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad . Speaking at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu placed the blame for the diplomatic failure squarely on Tehran, accusing it of reneging on the core terms of the truce .
“The agreement was that they would cease fire, and the Iranians would immediately open the gates,” Netanyahu told his ministers, referring to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “They did not do that, and the Americans could not accept it” .
‘The Ceasefire Can Flip Very Quickly’
Netanyahu’s stark language reflected deep concerns over the durability of the current pause in hostilities. He described the situation as highly volatile, saying the ceasefire “could turn on a dime” and “could flip very quickly” .
This warning came just hours before the US military began enforcing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move Netanyahu said Israel fully supports . The blockade is part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to force Tehran back to the negotiating table by cutting off its oil exports .
Explaining the ‘Explosion’ in Negotiations
Netanyahu provided details of a phone call he received from US Vice President JD Vance, who updated him on the collapse of the weekend talks in Islamabad. According to Netanyahu, the explosion in the negotiations came from the American side, which “could not tolerate Iran’s blatant violation of the agreement” .
Key Terms of the Broken Agreement (as cited by Netanyahu):
- US/Israel Commitment: Halt all military strikes and fire
- Iranian Commitment: Immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping
- Actual Outcome: Fighting paused, but Iran kept the strait largely restricted
Netanyahu added that Vance made it clear that the central issue for Washington is “removing all enriched material and ensuring that there will be no enrichment in the coming years — possibly for decades — inside Iran” .
Denying a Rift, Praising ‘Unprecedented’ Coordination
Despite the high-stakes military and diplomatic maneuvers, Netanyahu took time to dismiss reports of a rift between Israel and the United States. He described the current level of strategic cooperation as “unprecedented” .
“The talk as if there is a disconnect between us is the complete opposite,” Netanyahu said. “This level of coordination has never existed before — not in the history of Israel, and not in the history of the Jewish people” .
Netanyahu added that he and Trump are in “constant coordination” regarding the naval blockade and the broader military posture against Iran .
Preparing for Multiple Scenarios
As the US naval blockade goes live and diplomatic efforts remain stalled, Israel is reportedly preparing for a range of potential security outcomes, including a return to large-scale hostilities or a surprise Iranian attack .
While US officials have indicated that a return to a full-scale bombing campaign remains relatively unlikely, Israeli defense officials are preparing for that possibility as well as for potential retaliation from Tehran or its proxies .
The fragile ceasefire, which was brokered by Pakistan and took effect on April 7, has been under strain since it was announced. Israel has maintained that the truce does not apply to Lebanon, and Israeli forces have continued operations against Hezbollah throughout the ceasefire period .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Netanyahu say the ceasefire could end quickly?
Netanyahu stated that the agreement required Iran to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a condition Tehran has not met. He says the US “could not tolerate” this violation, and without implementation, the pause in fighting is not sustainable .
2. What did Netanyahu say about the US blockade?
Netanyahu said Israel “fully supports” President Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. He described the coordination between the two countries on this matter as “unprecedented” .
3. Is Israel preparing for the ceasefire to collapse?
Yes. Israeli officials have said they are preparing for multiple scenarios, including a return to large-scale hostilities and a potential surprise Iranian attack .
4. Did Netanyahu blame his phone call with Vance for derailing the talks?
No. Netanyahu explicitly denied this, stating that the “explosion” in negotiations came from the American side, which could not accept Iran’s violation of the agreed terms .
5. What is the US’s main condition for a permanent deal?
According to Netanyahu, Vice President Vance told him that the US’s main goal is the “removal of all enriched material” from Iran and ensuring that Iran does not enrich uranium “for decades” .
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