WASHINGTON, — May 21, 2026 : US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a tense hour-long phone call on Tuesday, exposing growing differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over how to address the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to US and Israeli officials familiar with the discussion.
The conversation highlighted a widening strategic divide between the two allies, with Trump favoring continued diplomatic negotiations while Netanyahu pressed for the immediate resumption of planned US military strikes against Iran.
Trump Pauses Planned Iran Strikes
According to US officials, the disagreement followed an earlier conversation on Sunday in which Trump informed Netanyahu that the United States was preparing a new wave of targeted strikes against Iranian-linked facilities. The planned military operation, internally referred to as “Operation Sledgehammer,” was expected to begin early this week.
However, within approximately 24 hours, Trump paused the planned operation following consultations with key Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Officials said those countries urged Washington to allow diplomatic efforts to continue in order to avoid a wider regional escalation.
Since the decision to halt the strikes, Gulf states and Pakistani mediators have remained in close contact with both Washington and Tehran to develop a framework for further negotiations.
Netanyahu Pushes for Military Action
During Tuesday’s call, Netanyahu argued that delaying military operations would benefit Tehran and provide Iran additional time to strengthen its position, according to Israeli and US sources.
Israeli officials said Netanyahu expressed disappointment that the strikes had been postponed and maintained that military pressure should continue as originally planned. Israeli officials remain skeptical that diplomacy alone can produce a long-term agreement capable of limiting Iran’s nuclear activities.
A central concern for Israel remains Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Israeli sources familiar with the discussions said Netanyahu believes Tehran is unlikely to accept major nuclear concessions under the current negotiations.
An Axios report, citing US officials familiar with the call, described Netanyahu’s reaction to the diplomatic pause as highly frustrated following Washington’s decision to suspend the planned operation.
Diplomatic Framework Under Discussion
US officials said Trump informed Netanyahu that mediators are attempting to secure a preliminary “letter of intent” between Washington and Tehran that could open a temporary negotiation period focused on key disputes.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, negotiations are expected to address Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, regional security concerns, and maritime stability in the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed diplomatic framework is reportedly being supported by Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt as part of broader regional mediation efforts.
Iran Continues Indirect Talks
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that indirect communications between Tehran and Washington are continuing through Pakistani mediation channels.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that discussions are proceeding based on Iran’s previously submitted 14-point proposal and that Tehran is currently reviewing the latest American positions.
Iranian officials have continued to demand the release of frozen Iranian assets, an end to what Tehran describes as actions against Iranian shipping, and a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon as part of any broader agreement.
Reuters reported, citing two unnamed senior Iranian sources, that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has directed Iranian authorities not to transfer the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium stockpile abroad under any future agreement.
Iranian state media has not officially confirmed the report, while US officials stated that the directive had not been formally communicated to the White House as of Thursday morning.
Pakistan Expands Mediation Role
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in the negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistani officials have facilitated several rounds of indirect talks in recent weeks, including previous discussions involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is scheduled to travel to Tehran on Thursday as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and advancing negotiations.
Trump Signals Diplomacy but Keeps Military Option Open
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said the United States was in the “final stages” regarding Iran and suggested that the situation could either result in a diplomatic agreement or renewed military action.
“We’ll either have a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty,” Trump said, while expressing hope that military action would not become necessary.
Trump also publicly insisted that relations with Netanyahu remain positive, stating that the Israeli leader “will do whatever I want him to do” regarding Iran policy.
Despite those remarks, officials in both Washington and Tel Aviv acknowledged that differences over timing and strategy have become increasingly visible in recent days.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that there were “some good signs” in the negotiations but cautioned that no agreement had yet been secured.
“There’s some good signs, but I don’t want to be overly optimistic,” Rubio told reporters before departing for meetings in Sweden and India.
Israeli officials indicated that Netanyahu is seeking a visit to Washington in the near future for direct discussions with Trump regarding Iran and regional security developments.
The situation remains fluid as mediators continue efforts to prevent renewed military escalation while negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain ongoing.
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