U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that he advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to interfere with ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. Trump emphasized that a deal is near, stating, “This would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution.”
The comments followed a New York Times report claiming Israel considered striking Iran’s nuclear facilities out of concern that Trump’s eagerness for a deal might allow Tehran to retain its enrichment capabilities—a critical red line for Israel. The report noted that U.S. intelligence estimates suggest Israel could launch such an attack with just seven hours' notice. Israel dismissed the article as “fake news,” but the Times stood by its reporting, citing sources directly familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Israeli officials, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad chief David Barnea, met Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff in Rome, then held discussions in Washington with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and again with Witkoff.
A key issue in the nuclear talks remains the U.S. demand that Iran dismantle its enrichment facilities—something Tehran continues to reject. U.S. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem also spoke directly with Netanyahu, relaying Trump’s message on the importance of unity and allowing negotiations to progress.
Despite recent tensions, Netanyahu has denied any rift with the U.S., and Trump has similarly downplayed the suggestion of a diplomatic fallout. Still, Trump's decision to bypass Israel during his recent Middle East trip and shift in policy direction has led to growing uncertainty over U.S.-Israel relations amid the high-stakes Iran talks.