Trump Cautions Netanyahu as U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Reach Critical Juncture
by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, urging caution as delicate negotiations with Tehran near a potential breaking point.
In a 40-minute call described by both sides as productive, President Trump confirmed that the United States has presented a “reasonable proposal” to Iran and expects a response within days. He reiterated to Netanyahu his administration’s preference for a diplomatic solution, warning against unilateral Israeli military action that could jeopardize the fragile progress.
Following the call, Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting behind closed doors, attended by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Mossad Director David Barnea, and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar.
The U.S. has reportedly issued repeated warnings to Jerusalem not to strike Iran while backchannel negotiations continue. Trump, speaking at a White House economic event, acknowledged the difficulty of the talks: “They’re tough negotiators. They want to enrich [uranium], and we can’t have enrichment. They’ve given us their thoughts on the deal, and I said it’s just not acceptable.”
The latest round of indirect talks is scheduled to resume Sunday in Muscat, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry. The central impasse remains Iran’s insistence on continuing uranium enrichment on its soil, which Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared a “non-negotiable” national right. “No one is waiting for anyone’s permission,” Khamenei said.
Trump, while firm in rejecting any deal that permits significant enrichment, emphasized his desire to avoid a violent confrontation. “We’re trying to make a deal so there’s no destruction and death,” he said. “I told Netanyahu this is not the time to escalate while we’re trying to resolve the issues.”
According to senior U.S. officials, Trump has stressed to Netanyahu that “the second option is still on the table”–a reference to potential military action–but that diplomacy remains the preferred path.
Tensions between the two leaders have occasionally surfaced in public, with Trump recently acknowledging he advised Netanyahu against undermining negotiations. “If we reach a deal with oversight–not trust–we can blow up a lab if needed, but without casualties. There’s a better way to do this,” Trump said.
As the weekend approaches, the outcome of the next phase of U.S.-Iran talks remains uncertain, with Israel watching closely and preparing contingencies. Netanyahu’s security briefing suggests that while the Israeli government is aligned with Washington’s strategic concerns, it is unwilling to rule out independent action if diplomacy fails.
Latest Worthy News
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.