CNN reported on 20/5, citing sources, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed frustration during a one-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump on 19/5. Netanyahu voiced his disapproval of ongoing discussions concerning the US-Israel approach to Iran, advocating for a harder line and asserting that delays only benefit Tehran. He told Trump that postponing attacks was a mistake and urged the US to adhere to its original plan and resume military action.
An Israeli official confirmed the clear divergence: Trump seeks to determine if a diplomatic agreement is still possible, while Netanyahu expects a different course of action. The White House has not commented on the details of this report.
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US President Donald Trump (right) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on 7/4. *Photo: AFP*
This was not the first recent exchange between the two leaders. During a 17/5 phone call, Trump indicated new attacks on Iran were likely on 19/5. However, roughly 24 hours later, President Trump postponed the plan at the request of Gulf allies: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A US official and sources familiar with the situation noted that Gulf nations had been in close contact with the White House and Pakistan, acting as an intermediary, to establish a framework for further negotiations.
"We are in the final stages with Iran. Let's see what happens. Either we will reach a deal, or we will have to do some unpleasant things. But I hope that doesn't happen," Trump told reporters on the morning of 20/5, discussing diplomatic efforts. Another Israeli source indicated that after the 19/5 call, Netanyahu and his close officials were concerned. Senior Israeli leaders want to resume military action and are frustrated, believing Trump enables Iran's "diplomatic stalling" tactics.
Sources noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu's dissatisfaction with the US approach, particularly Trump's pattern of threatening then canceling attacks, is not new. US officials have previously acknowledged differing objectives between Washington and Israel in this conflict. When asked about his conversation with Netanyahu on 19/5, President Trump implied his ultimate authority, stating, "He will do whatever I want."
Trump warns Iran negotiations "on a knife's edge". *Video: ABC News*
Trump continues to seek a diplomatic agreement with Iran, describing the situation as "on a knife's edge." He believes giving diplomacy a few more days is worthwhile if it can save lives. On 20/5, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that Tehran and Washington continue to exchange messages through Pakistan.
Iranian media reported that Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on 21/5, part of ongoing US-Iran mediation. Pakistan has mediated diplomatic solutions, including high-level meetings in April between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. However, key disagreements remain unresolved. A regional source indicated Iran has not abandoned its core demands, with issues like its nuclear program and frozen assets still pending as of early this week.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to signal that military action remains an option. "If we don't get the right answer, things will happen very quickly. We are all ready," he declared.
Huyen Le (According to CNN, Axios)
