Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran
3 Min Read
The rift is widening amid Trump's alleged desire for a diplomatic resolution with Iran, as he seeks a negotiated solution.
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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive at a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
A heated phone call reportedly took place on Thursday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over how to confront Iran, Israeli media reported.
In detail, Israeli Channel 12 indicated that the discussion was characterized by intense disagreements, with Trump allegedly expressing to Netanyahu his desire for a diplomatic resolution with Iran by stating that he wanted a negotiated solution and that he had confidence in his capacity to secure a favorable deal. He also reportedly stressed he was focused on reaching an agreement that would benefit both parties.
The tone of the conversation seems at odds with previous assertions that the call between the two leaders ended in mutual agreement, the report revealed.
The report follows US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s remarks to Fox News, where she stated that Trump had tasked her with discussing the progress of negotiations with the Israeli prime minister and emphasizing the need for unity as the process unfolds.
This development confirms earlier reports of a widening rift between Netanyahu, bent on bombing Iran's nuclear facilities, and Trump, who reportedly favors a diplomatic approach.
Iran warns 'Israel' of striking nuclear facilities
This comes as CNN and Axios reported earlier that "Israel" is preparing plans for a swift military operation targeting Iran's nuclear facilities should diplomatic efforts fail.
An Israeli official reportedly informed Axios that the timeframe for carrying out an effective strike might narrow soon, implying that "Israel" is weighing preemptive measures against Iran's nuclear activities, which are conducted within its sovereign rights and for peaceful purposes, even though no legal justification exists for such an attack.
Araghchi warns of attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities
In response to these threats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a formal letter to the UN secretary-general and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warning that Iran may relocate its nuclear materials to protect them from potential Israeli attacks.
"Under conditions wherein threats made by the Zionist fanatics persist, the Islamic Republic of Iran shall be left with no recourse but to implement special measures for the protection of its nuclear facilities and materials, the relevant particulars of which shall thereafter be communicated to the IAEA," Araghchi wrote.
He also asserted that Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful and fully in line with IAEA safeguards, and stressed that any attempt to sabotage or attack Iran's facilities would be met with a decisive response.
