Netanyahu Tried to Dissuade Trump from a Deal with Iran, Report Says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent recent weeks urging U.S. President Donald Trump not to rush into a deal with Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Netanyahu warned Trump, “You cannot trust them,” and pressed the case that Tehran’s promises should not be taken at face value as Washington explored a diplomatic path to end the confrontation.

The report says Netanyahu repeatedly raised concerns in conversations with Trump, including asking how the U.S. would ensure Iran actually complied with any future agreement. He also cited Iran’s history of deception and warned that without strict verification mechanisms, Tehran could secretly advance toward a nuclear weapon.

According to the report, Jerusalem was surprised by the ceasefire announcement and by the speed of the move toward an understanding between Washington and Tehran. Israeli officials reportedly believed Trump was still leaning toward sustained military pressure on Iran and were preparing for the possibility of additional strikes on targets in the country.

Netanyahu also urged the American administration to keep pressuring Iran and avoid major concessions, including steps that would ease the economic pressure on the Islamic Republic. The Wall Street Journal said Netanyahu at one point sought an urgent meeting with Trump after learning the White House was moving toward a signed accord, and Israeli officials saw a draft only days later. Despite the tensions, the White House said Trump and Netanyahu remained close and that cooperation between the two countries continued.