US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a tense hour-long phone conversation over the future of the Iran war, with both leaders differing on whether military action should continue or diplomacy should be given more time.
According to Axios, Netanyahu pushed for renewed airstrikes against Iran, while Trump argued that negotiations should be allowed to proceed before considering further military action.
The report cited by NDTV said the Israeli leader remains deeply sceptical about ongoing peace efforts and wants the conflict to continue in order to further weaken Iran’s military infrastructure and capabilities.
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Trump pushes diplomacy, Netanyahu disagrees
Citing sources briefed on the call, NDTV cited Axios as reporting that Trump informed Netanyahu about mediators from Qatar and Pakistan working on a “letter of intent” that Washington and Tehran could sign to formally end the conflict.
The proposed agreement would reportedly open a 30-day negotiation window to discuss issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli officials, however, reportedly disagreed with Trump’s approach, per the report.
Sources quoted by CNN said Netanyahu expressed disappointment during the conversation and warned that delaying military action would be a mistake. He reportedly insisted that planned attacks should continue.
“Bibi's hair was on fire after the call,” a US official said while describing Netanyahu’s reaction to Trump’s diplomatic plan.
Another source told Axios, “Bibi is always concerned.”
Publicly, Trump projects unity
Despite reports of disagreement behind closed doors, Trump publicly maintained that the US and Israel remained aligned.
Per a report by NDTV, speaking to reporters, Trump said Netanyahu “will do whatever I want him to do” regarding Iran. He also described their relationship as positive and said both countries remained closely coordinated.
“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 at the Coast Guard Academy.
He further stated that the US and Iran were “right on the borderline” between reaching a deal and resuming military conflict.
Mediation efforts continue
Reports suggest Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have been actively involved in mediation efforts alongside Pakistan.
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According to CNN and Axios, regional mediators have been working on a revised peace framework aimed at bridging differences between Washington and Tehran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that discussions with the US are continuing “based on Iran's 14-point proposal”. Officials also said Pakistan’s interior minister Ishaq Dar was in Tehran to assist with mediation efforts.
However, negotiators reportedly remain uncertain about whether Iran will accept the latest draft proposal or seek major changes before any agreement is finalised.
