Trump urges Netanyahu to avoid Iran strike amid nuclear talks, warns against escalation
By isabelle // 2025-05-29
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  • Trump advised Netanyahu against attacking Iran, citing ongoing nuclear talks and calling it "inappropriate" during negotiations.
  • Netanyahu’s threats against Iran coincide with global backlash over Israel’s Gaza campaign, including ICC war crime charges.
  • Iran may pause uranium enrichment if the U.S. releases frozen funds and recognizes its civilian nuclear rights under the NPT.
  • Despite urging restraint, the U.S. continues supplying Israel with military aid, fueling its actions in Gaza.
  • Trump’s intervention highlights the delicate diplomatic balance as Israel’s aggression risks derailing potential progress with Iran.
President Donald Trump revealed that he advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a military strike on Iran, citing ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over a potential nuclear agreement. Trump emphasized that such an attack would be "inappropriate" while the U.S. is "very close to a solution," although he stopped short of calling it a formal warning. The revelation comes as Israel faces mounting global condemnation for its brutal military campaign in Gaza, which critics describe as genocide against Palestinians.

Trump’s diplomatic intervention

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed reports that he had cautioned Netanyahu during a phone call last week. “I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump said. “It’s not a warning. I said, ‘I don’t think it’s appropriate.’” Trump’s optimism about the talks contrasts with his past hardline stance on Iran. He withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, dismissing it as a “bad deal.” Yet now, he appears willing to negotiate a new agreement that hinges on Iran’s willingness to limit uranium enrichment to peaceful purposes. “We’re doing very well with Iran,” Trump said, though he warned that “other options” remain if diplomacy fails.

Israel’s dangerous posturing

Netanyahu has long threatened military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, framing it as a necessary measure to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But his saber-rattling comes at a precarious moment, as Israel faces unprecedented backlash for its relentless bombardment of Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and displaced millions. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes. Despite Netanyahu’s office dismissing reports of planned strikes on Iran as “fake news,” Trump’s admission suggests otherwise. The Israeli leader’s desperation to divert attention from Gaza may explain his aggressive posturing, yet Trump’s intervention signals that even Washington sees such a move as reckless.

Iran’s conditions for a deal

Meanwhile, Iran has signaled openness to a temporary pause in uranium enrichment if the U.S. releases frozen Iranian funds and formally recognizes Tehran’s right to refine uranium for civilian use under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Two Iranian officials close to the negotiations told Reuters that a “political understanding” could be reached soon if Washington accepts these terms. Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), described the ongoing talks as a positive sign but cautioned that “the jury is still out” on whether an agreement will materialize. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, though its enrichment to 60% purity — just shy of weapons-grade — has raised alarms. While Trump urges restraint from Israel, his administration continues to supply the Jewish state with billions in military aid, enabling its atrocities in Gaza. The U.S. has long shielded Israel from accountability, vetoing UN resolutions condemning its occupation and human rights abuses. Yet now, even Trump recognizes that Netanyahu’s brinkmanship could derail delicate negotiations. It is interesting to note that Washington condemns Iran’s nuclear ambitions while turning a blind eye to Israel’s own undeclared nuclear arsenal, which is estimated at up to 90 warheads. Meanwhile, Israel’s apartheid regime in the occupied territories continues unabated, with Palestinians subjected to daily violence and systemic oppression. Trump’s plea for Netanyahu to stand down underscores the fragility of the current diplomatic window. With Iran signaling flexibility and Israel under global scrutiny, the U.S. faces a critical test: Will it prioritize peace or continue enabling its ally’s destructive agenda? For now, Trump’s words suggest a rare moment of pragmatism — but whether Netanyahu heeds them remains to be seen. Sources for this article include: InfoWars.com AlJazeera.com MiddleEastEye.net FoxNews.com
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Iran nuclear weapons Trump Gaza Netanyahu