'Crazy' phone call between Trump and Netanyahu complicates Iran talks
Tension between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the White House — following a phone call US President Donald Trump described as 'crazy' — has complicated the diplomatic opening toward Iran. Three senior US officials told the BBC that the back-channel process with Tehran has been paused.
BBC Middle EastAccording to the BBC, Trump told Senator Lindsey Graham at the Oval Office on Thursday evening: 'It was a crazy call; Bibi told me he wants everyone to take an aggressive posture toward Iran.' At the heart of the call was Netanyahu's request to keep all US military options on the table against Tehran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'The president remains committed to negotiations.'
Israeli Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Eyal Hulata said the call was a 'normal allied conversation' and claimed Trump's characterisation had been 'distorted in the media translation'. Even so, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on social media: 'If one party does not approach the table in good faith, conditions are needed to keep the dialogue going.' Former US National Security Adviser Susan Rice told CNN: 'Reviving the back-channel is essential to exiting the crisis.'
Israel-US defence planning sessions have reportedly been postponed to next week. BBC analyst Frank Gardner said: 'The leak of the call has moved the rift between the two allies to a formal level.' This is not investment advice.
More from Middle East
Hezbollah rejects US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon
Hezbollah has rejected a US-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Lebanon, saying it includes 'unacceptable national-sovereignty conditions'. The decision leaves uncertain a partial arrangement that envisages Lebanese army deployment in the south.
Israel must allow ICRC to visit Palestinians in prison, Supreme Court rules
Israel's Supreme Court has rejected the government's ban on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visits to Palestinian detainees, ruling that international law affirms Red Cross access. The court allowed sixty days for implementation.
US House passes Iran war powers resolution in rare rebuke to Trump
The US House of Representatives passed a war-powers resolution by 219-198 that would require President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for new strikes in the continuing military confrontation with Iran. Eighteen Republicans voted with Democrats in support of the measure.