According to US media reports, a phone call between Trump and Netanyahu on Tuesday turned tense as the two leaders differed on whether strikes against Iran should resume. US outlet Axios reported that Netanyahu was deeply frustrated after the conversation and remained determined to continue military operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military and damaging key infrastructure.
Trump had earlier announced that planned strikes on Iran scheduled for Tuesday were postponed following requests from several Arab nations, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have been actively involved in mediation efforts.
Axios reported that Qatar and Pakistan prepared a revised peace proposal with support from regional mediators in an effort to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran.
While Netanyahu reportedly remains highly sceptical of negotiations and believes renewed strikes are necessary to further degrade Iran’s capabilities, Trump has continued to express optimism that a deal can still be achieved.
“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 during remarks at the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Later, speaking to reporters after returning to Washington, Trump said the US and Iran were “right on the borderline” between securing an agreement and resuming conflict.
“If we don’t get the right answers, it goes very quickly. We’re all ready to go,” he said, while insisting any agreement would need to deliver “100 per cent good answers.”
CNN, quoting an Israeli source, reported there is growing pressure within senior Israeli leadership for fresh military action, alongside frustration over what they see as Iran delaying negotiations.
Trump also claimed that Netanyahu “will do whatever I want him to do” regarding Iran, while adding that the two leaders still maintain a strong relationship.
Iran confirmed on Wednesday that it is reviewing an updated proposal but has yet to indicate any major shift in its position. Iran’s foreign ministry stated that negotiations were continuing on the basis of Tehran’s “14-point proposal” and confirmed that Pakistan’s interior minister was in Tehran as part of mediation efforts.
According to Axios, Trump informed Netanyahu that mediators are working on a proposed “letter of intent” that would formally end hostilities and initiate a 30-day negotiation process focused on issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
