Trump Calls Netanyahu ‘Very Difficult Guy’ After U.S.-Iran Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a very difficult guy” and said Israel should be grateful for the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, following the announcement of a framework aimed at ending months of conflict in the region. Speaking after the U.S.-Iran deal was announced, Trump criticized recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, saying they had nearly complicated efforts to secure the deal. He argued that Israel would have faced a serious threat if Iran had succeeded in obtaining a nuclear weapon. Reuters reported on Monday that the United States and Iran had agreed on a preliminary framework to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin a new round of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. The memorandum of understanding is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland later this week. Trump also warned that military action against Iran could resume if negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme fail to produce a final agreement. He maintained that previous military pressure and attacks against Iran had played an important role in advancing talks and bringing both sides to the negotiating table. The U.S. president’s comments highlighted continuing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over regional strategy, particularly regarding Lebanon and efforts to secure a broader diplomatic settlement with Iran. According to Reuters, Trump spoke with Netanyahu before the agreement was announced and updated him on progress toward the deal. However, Israel was not directly involved in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The future of Iran’s nuclear programme remains unresolved and is expected to be one of the central issues during a 60-day ceasefire period, during which both sides are expected to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement covering sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions and regional security concerns. The U.S.-Iran agreement follows months of fighting that expanded beyond Iran and affected several parts of the Middle East, including Lebanon. The conflict disrupted regional stability, contributed to volatility in global energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war involving multiple state and non-state actors. A key component of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Reuters reported that Trump announced the waterway would reopen after months of disruption, a development that prompted a sharp decline in oil prices and was welcomed by financial markets. Relations between Trump and Netanyahu have occasionally been marked by policy disagreements despite strong strategic ties between the United States and Israel. Recent tensions have centred on Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire framework that could support broader negotiations with Iran. The future of Iran’s nuclear activities remains one of the most contentious issues facing negotiators. Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term, after which Iran expanded uranium enrichment activities. Western governments continue to insist that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, while Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. The post Trump Calls Netanyahu ‘Very Difficult Guy’ After U.S.-Iran Deal appeared first on Khaama Press.