Netanyahu and Trump Hold 40-Minute Call on Iran Nuclear Talks Amid Israeli Strike Fears

Earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded a 40-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing primarily on Iran’s nuclear program and the progress of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, amid heightened tensions over potential Israeli military action.

Following the discussion, Netanyahu is set to convene a security meeting to address Iran’s nuclear threat, reflecting Israel’s ongoing concerns about Tehran’s capabilities. The call comes as the U.S. pushes for a diplomatic resolution to curb Iran’s uranium enrichment, while Israel remains skeptical, viewing any deal allowing enrichment as a security risk.

Last week, Trump revealed he urged Netanyahu to refrain from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities during this sensitive period of negotiations. When asked if he had warned Netanyahu against a strike, Trump responded, “I won’t lie, I did. But it wasn’t a warning, it was me saying I don’t think it’s appropriate right now.” He emphasized that the U.S. is engaged in “very good talks” with Iran, suggesting a deal could allow inspectors to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, avoiding bloodshed. However, Trump cautioned, “One phone call could change everything,” noting that Iran currently appears open to an agreement, though the situation remains fluid.

Israel has repeatedly signalled readiness to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly after Iran’s April and October 2024 missile attacks on Israel, which followed Israeli strikes on Iranian proxies. With Iran’s air defenses weakened and its proxies, like Hezbollah and Hamas, battered by Israeli campaigns since October 2023, some Israeli officials see a strategic window for action.

U.S. intelligence estimates Israel could prepare a strike in as little as seven hours, raising fears in Washington of a unilateral move disrupting diplomacy. Netanyahu has insisted any deal must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure entirely, akin to Libya’s 2003 disarmament. Despite Trump’s diplomatic push, which includes demands for zero enrichment, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected halting enrichment, complicating talks held in Rome and Oman since April 2025.