Tensions Rise Between Trump and Netanyahu Over Iran War Strategy
WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM – A high-level phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday has underscored a growing rift in their shared approach to the ongoing war with Iran. The friction follows President Trump’s recent decision to halt planned military strikes against Iranian targets—an action he reportedly took at the urging of Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. A Strategy in Conflict Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 2026, the two leaders have increasingly diverged on the path toward resolving the conflict: Diplomatic Hurdles and Regional Pressure The U.S. is currently engaged in indirect negotiations with Iran, facilitated by intermediaries in Pakistan. While the White House remains focused on securing a deal that addresses Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as the status of the vital Strait of Hormuz, the coordination between Washington and Jerusalem appears…