Trump has frank call with Netanyahu about next move in Iran war

President Trump held a frank phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, discussing the current state of U.S.-Iran negotiations and the timing for any potential return to combat, according to an Israeli source and a U.S. source. The Israeli source described the call as "tough," while the U.S. source called it "direct."

Trump is employing a dual strategy of attempting to negotiate a deal to resume peace talks while simultaneously preparing for potential major combat operations post-midterm elections. The White House and the Israeli prime minister's office have declined to comment on the call.

Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris sent a letter to Iran's national security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, expressing the possibility of restarting negotiations. This marked the most senior-level contact with Iran in several months. During the call, Trump stated that negotiations with Iran were "going fine" but expressed skepticism about Iran's reliability, noting that they "make a deal and then they back out."

He also emphasized the U.S. intention to address one or two nuclear sites in Iran, stating that the operation could be completed in just 10 minutes using a site referred to as "Pickaxe Mountain." Trump's comments come as Qatari mediators have been holding meetings with Iranian officials daily in an effort to restart direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized on Sunday that a deal is contingent upon the U.S. addressing Iran's concerns, expressing hope that Iran's negotiating partners would demonstrate rationality and prioritize diplomacy.