President Donald Trump acknowledged Wednesday that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stand down on potential military strikes against Iran, as diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program continue.
The revelation came amid heightened speculation over tensions between Washington and Jerusalem and growing global concern over the risk of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Trump Urges Diplomacy Over Military Action
In a candid exchange with reporters, President Trump confirmed he had spoken directly with Netanyahu last week about the situation.
“I’d like to be honest, yes, I did,” Trump said when asked if he urged Israel to back off. “It’s not a warning. I said I don’t think it’s appropriate.”
Trump emphasized that the United States is actively pursuing a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and he made it clear that military action at this stage could jeopardize those efforts.
“We’ve had some very, very good talks with Iran,” Trump said on Sunday, indicating that progress is being made behind closed doors.
Israel Denies Planning a Strike, But Concerns Mount
Tensions surged after reports suggested Israel was preparing for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, potentially disrupting ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu’s office swiftly rejected those claims, calling them “fake news” in response to a New York Times report detailing the alleged plans.
Despite the denial, Trump’s own admission that he urged Netanyahu to pull back casts doubt on Israel’s characterization of the situation.
Backdrop of Rising Regional Instability
Israel’s intensified operations in the Gaza Strip, aimed at eradicating the Iranian-backed terror group Hamas, have drawn harsh criticism from the international community.
The military campaign has been met with accusations of disproportionate force, while Israel maintains it is acting in self-defense against continued attacks.
With Iran backing Hamas and other militant groups across the region, Jerusalem has warned that its fight could soon extend beyond Gaza. Reports of potential Israeli action against Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure emerged as U.S. diplomats prepared for talks with Iranian and Omani officials.
The possibility of Israeli military engagement with Iran raised alarms in diplomatic circles. In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, Iran’s foreign minister warned of “catastrophic consequences” should Israel attack its nuclear facilities, asserting that the United States would bear legal responsibility if it were seen as complicit.
Trump Administration Optimistic About Talks With Iran
Amid the tension, the Trump administration has maintained a cautiously optimistic tone about the status of negotiations with Iran. On Sunday, Trump told reporters,
“I don’t know if I’ll be telling you anything good or bad over the next two days, but I have a feeling I might be telling you something good.”
While specific details of the talks remain confidential, administration officials have described recent discussions as “positive”.
