A phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly turned tense as diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations with Iran gathered momentum, according to a report by Axios.
The reported disagreement comes at a delicate stage in backchannel diplomacy involving several regional players, with mediators attempting to narrow differences between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns. The talks have also reopened visible fault lines between the United States and Israel over how aggressively Iran should be handled.
Citing multiple sources, Axios reported that Trump and Netanyahu discussed a revised proposal linked to ongoing negotiations with Iran. One source familiar with the exchange reportedly described Netanyahu as being deeply frustrated after the call, saying his “hair was on fire”.
The proposal currently under discussion is said to include commitments related to Iran’s nuclear programme while also outlining possible terms linked to the release of frozen Iranian assets.
According to the report, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are all involved in mediation efforts aimed at bridging the gap between Tehran and Washington.
Trump signals diplomacy but keeps military option open
Even as negotiations continue, Trump has maintained that military action remains possible if diplomacy fails.
“The only question is do we go and finish it up or are they gonna be signing a document. Let’s see what happens,” Trump said on Wednesday while speaking at the Coast Guard Academy.
Later in the day, the US President described the situation as being “on the borderline” between a diplomatic agreement and renewed conflict.
Axios reported that Trump also informed Netanyahu during the call that mediators were working on what he described as a possible “letter of intent” between the United States and Iran. The document could potentially pave the way for formal negotiations over a fixed timeline.
Netanyahu reportedly unconvinced over Iran talks
The report suggested that Netanyahu remains sceptical about the ongoing negotiations and is pushing for a tougher approach towards Iran’s military and strategic infrastructure.
Israeli sources quoted by Axios claimed the two leaders disagreed over the broader direction of the talks and how much trust could be placed in Tehran’s commitments.
The report further said that Israel’s ambassador to Washington had briefed American lawmakers about Netanyahu’s concerns after the conversation. However, an Israeli embassy spokesperson denied characterisations linked to private discussions, saying the ambassador does not comment on confidential exchanges.
Axios also cited sources claiming Netanyahu has raised concerns during previous rounds of negotiations with Iran as well, including phases where agreements eventually collapsed.
“Bibi is always concerned,” one source was quoted as saying.
Iran, meanwhile, has acknowledged receiving updated proposals but has not indicated any major change in its stance. Iranian officials continue to insist that progress in negotiations would require easing restrictions and the release of frozen funds.
Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has officially commented on the reported phone call.