Washington's openness to Tehran worries Tel Aviv: Israeli media
3 Min Read
Israeli officials express worry over US-Iran rapprochement amid nuclear talks in Muscat, fearing the deal may not meet Israeli security needs.
-
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepare to sit for a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, on February 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Israeli officials have expressed growing concerns about signs of rapprochement between Washington and Tehran, with the resumption of nuclear talks in the Omani capital, Muscat, and US statements suggesting a softening stance toward Iran, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The Israeli daily reported that "Israel fears the talks could yield an agreement that falls short of its security needs, granting Iran greater leeway to entrench its regional influence without imposing adequate constraints on its nuclear program."
This week's talks were described as having made "useful" progress, despite Iranian criticism of new US sanctions targeting a shipping network that transports Iranian oil to China, measures Tehran said were "undermining the negotiations," according to Reuters.
Israeli concerns extend beyond the nuclear issue to what the occupation sees as a "growing American tolerance toward a regime it considers hostile", particularly amid expanded US diplomatic activity in the Gulf and statements by Donald Trump signaling Washington’s willingness to give Iran a chance at peace, while simultaneously threatening economic pressure if it fails to comply, according to The Guardian.
On that note, Trump stated on Wednesday, during the investment forum in Saudi Arabia, that Iran is the "most destructive force" in the Middle East and put the blame on the country for the instability across the region.
Presenting what he framed as both a last caution and an opportunity for dialogue, Trump stated that Iran faces a decision between persisting with what he called "chaos and terror" or pursuing a peaceful path forward.
Amid recent developments, ties between the United States and "Israel" appear to be entering a new phase of strain. Israeli media report growing unease in Tel Aviv over Washington’s outreach to Tehran, which some officials view as a potential threat to "Israel’s" security. The US administration, meanwhile, seems intent on exploring a new diplomatic track in the Middle East.
Trump, Netanyahu ties strained
According to multiple US and Middle Eastern officials familiar with the matter, Trump and Netanyahu no longer see eye-to-eye on core regional issues. Netanyahu is currently pushing for a more aggressive, military-centric approach, including direct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump, on the other hand, is pivoting toward diplomacy and engaging in nuclear talks with Iran.
The shift has led to mounting frustration in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu was reportedly blindsided by several recent moves from the Trump administration, NBC revealed on Sunday, including the decision to halt the US military campaign against Ansar Allah in Yemen after the group stopped firing on American ships.
Privately, Netanyahu was also angered by Trump’s public comments on Iran. In a recent interview, Trump said he had not yet decided whether Iran would be "allowed" to retain uranium enrichment capabilities for civilian purposes as part of an emerging nuclear deal.
However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, reaffirmed on Wednesday that uranium enrichment remains a "red line" for the Islamic Republic in its nuclear negotiations with the United States.
He emphasized that any final agreement with Washington must fully respect Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
