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U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are united on Iran, following a phone call amid renewed nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.
"The call went very well – We are on the same side of every issue," Trump said on his social media platform, as American and Iranian diplomats prepared to resume negotiations this week.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as Iran and Israel's foreign ministries for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump's show of unity with Netanyahu comes at a pivotal time in U.S.-Iran relations. The decision to resume direct talks marks a significant diplomatic shift, but it also places pressure on America's closest Middle East ally.
Israel has repeatedly warned against concessions to Tehran, saying that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. Trump's balancing act between advancing diplomacy and preserving strategic alliances will shape outcomes in the region.
What to Know
The Trump-Netanyahu phone call took place on Tuesday, with the U.S. president describing it as harmonious and far-reaching. Trump said the two leaders were aligned on every issue, including Iran and trade. Trump also told reporters on Monday that his administration had held "good meetings" with Iranian officials. The nuclear discussions, which began in Oman and continued in Rome, are expected to resume on Saturday.
Iran Accuses Israel of Undermining Talks
While Washington has signaled openness to diplomacy, Iran accused Israel of trying to "undermine" the talks. The charge reflects growing tensions between the two regional powers, even as the U.S. seeks to reestablish dialogue with Tehran. The New York Times reported last week that Trump had privately advised Israel to delay any potential military action targeting Iran's nuclear facilities in order to give diplomacy a chance.
Netanyahu, however, reiterated Israel's position that it will act alone if necessary. He warned that even if the U.S. continues negotiations, Israel will "never allow" Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. The U.S. and Israel have long accused Tehran of seeking nuclear arms, an allegation Iran denies. Tehran insists its program is strictly for civilian use. Israel is believed to have nuclear weapons already.
Fresh Oil Sanctions
Elsewhere, the U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh, an Iranian shipping magnate, and his corporate network for facilitating the export of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas and crude oil.
According to the Treasury Department, Emamjomeh's network was responsible for transporting hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian energy products to international markets.
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote: "The call went very well – We are on the same side of every issue."
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated: "A kind of coalition is forming... to undermine and disrupt the diplomatic process." Adding that Israel was behind the effort.
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said: "Emamjomeh and his network sought to export thousands of shipments of LPG—including from the United States—to evade U.S. sanctions and generate revenue for Iran."
What Happens Next
U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are scheduled to resume Saturday in Oman. Both the substance of the talks and Israel's next moves will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike.
About the writer
Amir Daftari is a Newsweek reporter based in London, specializing in global affairs with a focus on the Middle East. ... Read more