Donald Trump reportedly left Benjamin Netanyahu out of the loop during his recent negotiations with Iran, with multiple outlets reporting a significant rift between the two leaders over the direction of the talks.
Reports indicate the move left the Israeli Prime Minister deeply concerned, with Israeli officials scrambling to understand the state of the negotiations through alternative diplomatic channels. Israeli officials are said to have reached out to US lawmakers and other intermediaries in an attempt to gauge the status of the talks directly.
Over the past few weeks, reports have emerged thatTrump and Netanyahu's once-unbreakable geopolitical alliancehas come under serious strain. The two leaders are reportedly no longer aligned on Iran, with Netanyahu continuing to favour military pressure while theUS is pursuing a ceasefire framework.
On Saturday, Trump shared on his Truth Social account that anagreement is being negotiated with Iran. Once finalised, the agreement would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's state-affiliated news agency, Fars, said that Trump's statement was not accurate.
'Although Iran has agreed to allow the number of passing vessels to return to pre-war levels, this in no way means 'free passage' as it existed before the war,' the agency reported.
Trump said that his recent conversation with Netanyahu went well, and there is no confirmed indication that the two leaders have formally broken from their alliance.
'Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well. Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly. In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,' Trump said.
According toCNN, Israel has been clear about its core concerns in the negotiations. The country's leaders want to address the issues directly affecting Israeli security, includingTehran's nuclear programme and enriched uranium stockpile. Netanyahu is expected to convene with security ministers to determine Israel's next steps.
In a video shared on X, Trump was asked about Netanyahu's position in the ongoing Iran negotiations. Trump said that Netanyahu would do whatever he asked and described the Israeli prime minister as a good man and a wonderful leader.
Benjamin Netanyahu is in full panic mode after President Trump sidelined both him and the Israeli government during negotiations with Iran.After a tense phone call with Trump, sources said Netanyahu’s “hair was on fire” as Israel found itself almost completely shut out.…pic.twitter.com/1cGnfPBk3b
Source: International Business Times UK
