Trump, Netanyahu get into 'shouting match' over Iran war
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone call over the weekend that was largely focused on Iran. According to a report by Ynet News, the conversation was tense, with one source describing it as "a shouting match from hell." However, both the Prime Minister's Office and a senior Israeli official denied these claims, insisting the call wasn't confrontational. "Fake news, complete nonsense," Netanyahu's office said.
Diverging views
Differences in approach to Iran
The call highlighted stark differences in how both leaders view Iran.
While the Trump administration wants to explore diplomatic options with Tehran, Netanyahu believes the nuclear threat can only be permanently neutralized through regime change in Iran.
Netanyahu warned in a Knesset speech this week that "Iran is working to renew the nuclear threat" and said toppling the Iranian regime was the only permanent solution.
Political implications
Diplomatic pressure Israel might face
Trump, on the other hand, said that military action against Iran doesn't seem necessary for now.
"At this point...taking the military action doesn't seem to be a very necessary thing. But we're locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes."
"I think it's going to be ending fairly soon," he said this week.
The Financial Times reported that Netanyahu has been calling Trump "every day," urging him to launch a renewed military offensive against Iran.
Regional worries
Rubio differs from Trump
Despite Trump's optimism about a possible agreement with Tehran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a more cautious stance, saying negotiations had not been productive due to unrealistic Iranian demands.
"I wouldn't say we're on the verge of a breakthrough," Rubio said, adding that negotiations had not been productive because Tehran's demands were "not just unacceptable, but in some cases outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic."