Washington D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that he recently warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to take any action such as launching a strike on Iran—that could disrupt the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran.
According to Reuters, President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, “I said to him that this is not the right time for such a move. We’re very close to resolving this issue, and the situation could shift at any moment.”
The warning comes amid a New York Times report alleging that Netanyahu had considered attacking key Iranian nuclear facilities to sabotage the talks and derail a possible agreement between Washington and Tehran. Israel has denied the report, calling it “fake news.”
The Times cited sources familiar with the matter, noting that Israeli officials were concerned President Trump might be so eager to reach a deal with Iran that he could allow Tehran to retain uranium enrichment capabilities something Israel views as a “red line.”
Israel’s primary concern, according to the report, was that an interim deal might allow Iran to continue operating its nuclear infrastructure for months or even years until a permanent agreement is reached.
U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that Israel has the operational capability to strike Iran with as little as seven hours’ notice raising the risk of a unilateral move that could escalate tensions.
In response, Netanyahu’s office issued a short statement dismissing the New York Times report as “fake news.” However, a spokesperson for the newspaper stood by the story, stating it was based on discussions with individuals directly involved in the matter.
The report further revealed that Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea met with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Rome last Friday. The delegation then traveled to Washington, where they met with CIA Director John Radcliffe, followed by a second meeting between Dermer and Witkoff on Tuesday.
Negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials remain stuck on a critical point: Washington’s demand that Iran dismantle its uranium enrichment program an offer Tehran has consistently rejected.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed she had a “frank and tough” conversation with Netanyahu about the nuclear negotiations. She added that President Trump had asked her to deliver a clear message: “It’s essential that we remain united and allow this process to move forward.”
Trump notably excluded Israel from his recent Middle East tour a move seen by some as a shift in U.S-Israel dynamics. While Netanyahu has denied any strain in relations, and Trump has also dismissed speculation of disagreement, recent developments have sparked renewed debate about the evolving partnership.
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