Netanyahus actions on Iran raise questions about US involvement

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly engaged in a heated phone call, with Trump allegedly using derogatory language towards Netanyahu. The conversation took place last week, during which Trump expressed concerns over Netanyahu’s role in undermining US diplomacy and warned that Israel’s military escalation could jeopardize peace talks with Iran.

The tensions between the two leaders are believed to be rooted in divergent interests. In 2025, Netanyahu described Trump as his “greatest friend” in the White House, while Trump praised Netanyahu during a visit to Israel. However, it appears that their relationship has become increasingly strained.

Iran launched a missile attack on northern Israel on Sunday, following an Israeli strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs on June 7. The US had previously assured Iran that such an attack would not occur. The incident threatened to unravel months of negotiations between the two countries.

Analysts say that Netanyahu is now facing pressure from both Washington and far-right government ministers to de-escalate tensions with Iran, despite Trump’s warnings. However, it remains unclear how long Israel can sustain this position given the conflicting demands.

Experts note that the interests of the US and Israel are increasingly at odds. The war with Iran is deeply unpopular in the US, which means Trump needs to reach a deal with Iran to end the conflict. In contrast, Netanyahu could benefit politically from continuing the war.

The conflict has also had significant economic consequences, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. This has led to increased oil prices and global energy market instability. Analysts say that Washington’s inability to anticipate this scenario highlights a lack of strategic thinking within the administration.

With the US hosting the World Cup in 2025, Trump is under pressure to secure a quick deal with Iran. The mid-term congressional elections are also approaching, which could further incentivize Trump to reach a compromise.

Source: Al Jazeera