‘Even superpowers need allies’: Netanyahu cautions Trump, flags Iran’s growing missile threat

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- File Photo

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that no nation, not even the most powerful, can afford to stand alone in today’s unstable world. In a recent interview, he stressed that “superpowers need allies” and underscored Israel’s role as a crucial partner in confronting shared global threats, particularly Iran’s growing nuclear ambitions.

“America First doesn’t mean America alone, because all countries need allies. Superpowers need allies. China has allies. Russia has allies,” Netanyahu said, emphasising that cooperation among nations remains vital for maintaining strategic strength, security, and technological progress.

The remarks came on October 7, exactly two years after the Hamas attack on Israel, a date that continues to hold deep significance in the country’s recent history.

Netanyahu described Israel as a “fighting ally that pulls its weight,” highlighting that the nation has defended itself for decades without ever requesting foreign soldiers on its soil. “We don’t ask for Americans to bring boots on the ground. We’ve done the job of defending ourselves pretty well over the last 77 years,” he said.

Turning to Iran, Netanyahu issued a stark warning about Tehran’s continued push to develop long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, arguing that such capabilities would pose a direct danger to the United States.

“Iran is developing now ballistic missiles with an 8,000-kilometre range. Add another 3,000 kilometres, and they’ve got under their atomic guns New York City, Washington, Boston, Miami, Mar-a-Lago,” he cautioned.

He also credited US President Donald Trump for what he called a measured yet firm approach to containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “We had exactly the right alliance in which we shared the labour, and we achieved this neutralisation of Iran, which could blackmail every American city,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader’s comments come amid renewed regional tensions as Iran continues to advance its nuclear and missile programs. Washington, meanwhile, is attempting to rein in Tehran’s ambitions through a mix of diplomatic negotiations and economic sanctions, even as Israel warns that time to act is running out.