Netanyahu on Potential Iran Deal After Talk with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Donald Trump on Monday regarding a possible agreement with Iran, stating it could “protect our vital interests.” He expressed optimism about the negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in the region.

In a video statement, Netanyahu noted that Trump sees an “opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements of the Israel Defense Forces and the U.S. military” to reach a deal that safeguards Israel’s interests.

However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israeli military actions are ongoing, asserting that the country is “smashing its missile and nuclear programs.” He indicated that attacks on both Iran and Lebanon would persist, particularly against Hezbollah.

“Recently, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists, but our arms are still extended,” he added.

Earlier that day, Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States and Iran had engaged in “very good and productive dialogue” and were exploring a “complete resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East.

He further mentioned that due to the “objective and tone” of the discussions, he instructed the War Department to delay any strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, depending on the outcome of ongoing talks.

Later, Trump told reporters that the negotiations were “very, very strong,” highlighting that both parties had “major areas of agreement.” He also warned that a bombing campaign would continue if an agreement was not reached.

Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner led the U.S. side of the talks, which began Sunday and extended into the evening.

Netanyahu’s comments were his initial public response to Trump’s announcement about engaging in negotiations with Tehran, even as U.S.-Israeli operations continue.

Reports from Israeli media indicated that Jerusalem is making concerted efforts to influence any potential agreement before it solidifies.

It’s believed that Netanyahu likely discussed these matters with Vice President J.D. Vance to ensure that any deal aligns with Israel’s core military objectives.

Israeli officials conveyed that the U.S. red lines remain aligned with Jerusalem’s, focusing on important issues such as removing enriched uranium from Iran, halting its nuclear ambitions, and reinstating strict inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator amidst intensifying back-channel diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran.

Israeli officials also made it clear that they do not anticipate being blindsided by any resulting agreement and believe Trump seeks to prevent a broader energy conflict while adhering to Israel’s main strategic goals.

That said, there are still worries in Jerusalem about a deal that might not meet these criteria, especially one that leaves Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile untouched or permits Iran to maintain a significant nuclear capability disguised as diplomacy.

Iran has reportedly advanced its demands for guarantees against future attacks, compensation for wartime losses, and broader regional concessions, showing only limited willingness to negotiate on key issues such as ballistic missiles and uranium enrichment.

Israeli officials remain doubtful that Tehran would accept conditions resembling surrender and are skeptical about the regime’s commitment to any agreement should it be established.

Netanyahu reiterated that diplomatic pressure would not diminish military pressure, affirming that Israel would continue to act to safeguard what he termed “its vital interests under all circumstances.”