Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated argument over the phone on Tuesday regarding the ongoing negotiations over an Iran nuclear deal, with the two leaders exchanging sharp words over how to handle Tehran.
What Triggered the Argument
According to sources, Trump called Netanyahu to urge him not to escalate the war with Iran further. Netanyahu reportedly lost his composure upon hearing this. The conversation lasted over 30 minutes and grew increasingly tense.
Netanyahu’s Position
Citing Axios, Netanyahu told Trump that Iran cannot be trusted and is deliberately wasting time to regroup and prepare for another war. He argued that wars do not come around repeatedly and that Israel must act while Iran is weakened, given that most of its top leaders have been killed and its military is in a fragile state.
Trump Pushes Back
Trump responded firmly, telling Netanyahu that Israel is not America’s only priority in the Middle East. He said the US had spoken with other neighbouring countries as well, who also want negotiations, and that Washington would therefore prioritise diplomacy. Trump reminded Netanyahu that diplomacy takes time and has its own place in geopolitics.
Qatar and Other Mediators Working on a Deal
According to White House sources cited by Axios, Trump told Netanyahu that Qatar and other mediating countries are working on a draft letter that both the US and Iran would sign to formally end the war. Netanyahu was reportedly furious after the call.
Israel Seen as Losing Ground in the Negotiations
Analysts suggest that in the ongoing US-Iran talks, the terms appear to be tilting in Iran’s favour, which could be seen as a setback for Israel. If Iran’s Islamic Republic emerges stronger from this situation, Israel’s security concerns could intensify in the future. Netanyahu, who is also battling internal political opposition — with former PM Naftali Bennett consistently criticising his handling of the war — is seen as wanting to use the current moment to boost his popularity through military action.
