Trump And Netanyahu Clash Over Iran Talks After Tense Call

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump held a tense phone call Tuesday regarding growing disagreements over a proposed diplomatic framework aimed at ending the war with Iran and launching new negotiations, according to an Axios report published Wednesday.

Axios reported that Trump informed Netanyahu mediators were working on a “letter of intent” that would formally end the fighting and begin a 30-day negotiation period covering Iran’s nuclear program, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional arrangements.

The report pointed to increasingly visible differences between Washington and Israel over how to handle Iran following the war. While Trump appears to be pursuing a diplomatic opening, Israeli officials reportedly fear Iran could preserve elements of its nuclear program or gain sanctions relief before Israel’s security demands are fully addressed.

According to Axios, the emerging framework would seek more concrete Iranian commitments regarding nuclear restrictions while also requiring the United States to clarify how frozen Iranian funds could eventually be released. Qatar and Pakistan reportedly drafted revised mediation documents intended to bridge gaps between the sides, with broader regional involvement from countries including Egypt and Turkey.

Trump signaled Wednesday that talks remain highly unstable. “If we don’t get the right answer, it could happen very quickly,” Trump told reporters, referring to the possibility of renewed military action. “We have not got the right answer. It will have to be 100% good answers.” He added that negotiations would only be given “a few days.”

Axios reported that Netanyahu strongly opposed parts of the proposed initiative during Tuesday’s call. Israeli officials cited in the report said the prime minister remains deeply skeptical that Iran can be trusted to uphold any agreement involving its nuclear program.

One US source briefed on the conversation told Axios that “Bibi’s hair was on fire after the call,” describing Netanyahu’s reaction to the diplomatic push.

Another source told the outlet that Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed alarm during previous negotiation phases, saying: “Bibi is always concerned.”

At the same time, Iran signaled that discussions remain active but incomplete. Sources close to Iran’s negotiating team told the semi-official Tasnim News Agency that Tehran was reviewing a new American proposal delivered through Pakistani mediators, but stressed that “nothing has been finalized.” Iranian officials also said Pakistan’s interior minister returned to Tehran this week for a second visit in recent days as mediation efforts continued.

Trump further escalated attention around the negotiations when he publicly claimed Netanyahu would ultimately follow Washington’s lead. “Netanyahu will do whatever I want him to do,” Trump said when asked about the Israeli position on Iran negotiations. “We’re gonna give this one shot. I’m in no hurry,” he added, while also referencing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The negotiations now appear to be entering a critical phase as the Trump administration pushes for diplomacy while Israeli officials continue warning against easing pressure on Iran too quickly.