Trump and Netanyahu Clash Over Renewed Strikes on Iran, Report Says

WASHINGTON: Sharp differences have emerged during a telephone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over restarting military action against Iran.

The Israeli prime minister is urging the US president to resume strikes on Iran, while Washington and the Gulf states are prioritising a diplomatic solution.

An Israeli newspaper, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that the disagreement over military action against Iran became heated during the conversation. One source described the exchange as extremely bitter, calling it a hellish conversation filled with shouting.

However, Netanyahu’s office rejected reports of the differences and the bitter exchange, calling them baseless. A senior Israeli official confirmed that the conversation took place but said it was neither aggressive nor bitter.

According to a Financial Times report, Netanyahu has been contacting Trump daily, pressing for military strikes on Iran to resume. The report said Arab and Muslim leaders are concerned by Netanyahu’s efforts and are urging Trump to prefer a diplomatic solution over military action.

On Monday, President Trump said that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and other Gulf allies were strongly opposed to new military action against Iran. Citing positive progress towards resolving the dispute, he said the prospect of a large-scale renewed US military operation appeared low.

US position and mediation

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington did not currently see a need to restart large-scale military operations. He said economic sanctions against Iran were achieving their purpose.

Rubio made clear that the United States would maintain economic pressure on Iran, but that American forces were ready to respond if Tehran crossed the red lines set by Washington.

Meanwhile, Qatari mediators said on Tuesday that they had received initially positive responses from both Washington and Tehran. However, uncertainty remains over the prospects for a final agreement.

The United States and Israel launched joint military action against Iran on 28 February. Later, despite diplomatic contacts and the signing of a framework memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, negotiations have not led to a comprehensive peace agreement.