Trump cautioned Netanyahu to avoid steps that undermine Iran nuclear talks

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, on 23 May 2017. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Trump cautioned Netanyahu to avoid steps that undermine Iran nuclear talks

Axios-May28th2025

Barak Ravid

President Trump cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call last week not to take any action that could jeopardize negotiations between the U.S. and Iran on a new nuclear deal, a White House official and a source familiar with the details tell Axios.

Why it matters: Trump and other senior U.S. officials have grown concerned in recent weeks that Israel might bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities or take other steps that could undermine the talks, the official said.

Friction point: Israel has been making preparations to swiftly strike Iran’s nuclear sites if U.S.-Iran nuclear talks break down in the coming weeks.

One source told Axios that Israel believes its operational window for a successful strike could close soon.
Some U.S. officials have worried Netanyahu might order a strike even without a green light from Trump.

Behind the scenes: Trump told Netanyahu in Thursday’s call that “doesn’t want anything to impede” a diplomatic solution with Iran, the White House official said.

Trump’s message was “he doesn’t want him to antagonize at a time when he is trying to solve problems,” the official said.
Trump stressed to Netanyahu that the “other option” is on the table, but he wants to see first if a diplomatic solution is possible. The Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment.
The call took place after the shooting in Washington that killed two Israeli embassy staffers.

What they’re saying: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristy Noem met Netanyahu on Sunday in Jerusalem and also conveyed Trump’s message about the need to avoid steps that undermine the negotiations, an Israeli official said.

Noem told Fox News on Monday that she had a “candid and direct” conversation with Netanyahu about the need to “stay united and let this process play out.”
Noem said Trump would not drag out the negotiations with Iran for weeks or months but would make a decision within days. The Israeli official said that Noem told Netanyahu to “give us a week.”