A Sharp Phone Call Between Netanyahu and Trump Over Iran — What Sparked the Tension?

In a report that contradicts previous claims of unity, Israel’s Channel 12 revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a tense and confrontational phone call last Thursday over how to handle Iran. According to the Times of Israel, the call exposed growing rifts in what was once portrayed as a united front against Tehran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, U.S. magazine Politico confirmed rising tensions between the two leaders, citing five current and former U.S. officials who said that pressure is mounting due to deep disagreements over how to respond to multiple crises in the Middle East.

According to the sources, the call was marked by sharp disagreements. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu:

“I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe I can secure a good deal.”

He is said to have emphasised his interest in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement, a tone that clashes with prior media portrayals of a cordial and unified call between the two.

Behind the Scenes: Trump’s Diplomatic Push

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously told Fox News:

“President Trump sent me personally to speak with the Prime Minister about the importance of staying united and letting the negotiations proceed smoothly.”

Despite attempts at public unity, the underlying friction now appears more visible—particularly as Trump signals a shift toward diplomatic re-engagement with Iran, while Netanyahu continues to advocate for confrontation and military escalation.

Iran: Defiant and Resilient Amid Nuclear Talks

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Monday that his country would not rely on any external party should the nuclear negotiations with the U.S. collapse, affirming Iran’s resilience and capacity to withstand sanctions.

In comments aired by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian stated:

“It’s not as if we’ll starve if they refuse to negotiate or impose sanctions—we have hundreds of ways to endure. Iran will not surrender to diplomatic blackmail.”

While no formal halt to negotiations has been announced, Iranian officials have confirmed that a sixth round of talks—mediated by Oman—is still under coordination, keeping the door open for a potential settlement.

Contrasting Messages from Both Sides

Amid the diplomatic unease, Donald Trump described the negotiations as ‘very good’, reflecting a surprisingly optimistic tone. However, Tehran insists that any agreement must uphold Iran’s full rights—particularly regarding uranium enrichment and the lifting of economic sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei made Tehran’s red lines clear:

“We will not agree to freeze enrichment—not even for three years. And we reject the idea of any temporary or transitional agreement with Washington.”

He also demanded a clearer and more decisive response from the Omani mediators, signalling Tehran’s unwillingness to accept vague commitments.

Geopolitical Shift or Strategic Showdown?

This high-level tension reflects broader shifts in U.S.–Israeli relations and the growing divergence in their Middle East agendas. Trump’s apparent desire to restore diplomacy and ease tensions—especially with Iran, the Houthis, and even Syria—appears to undermine Netanyahu’s hardline doctrine, which thrives on perpetual conflict and regional chaos.

Is this a signal that Washington and its allies are recalibrating their stance? Or is Netanyahu simply losing influence among his longtime Western backers as the Gaza war drags on, and Israeli aggression draws international condemnation?