[80450] Crisis of trust between Trump and Netanyahu: Efforts to prevent escalation in Lebanon and contacts with Iran

Peak tension on the Washington-Jerusalem line: Trump and Netanyahu in a sharp confrontation

According to reports in Axios cited by numerous sources including اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا فوری and DW Persian, an exceptionally tense phone call took place on Monday between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the call, Trump sharply attacked Netanyahu over his decision to expand military activity in Lebanon, calling him "dim-witted" and reminding him: "If I weren't here, you would be in prison right now." According to العربیه فارسی, Trump claimed that Netanyahu's policy is isolating Israel internationally and endangering the negotiations he is conducting with Iran.

At the same time, Iran International reported that Trump stated on Truth Social that he had personally acted to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah: "I asked him [Netanyahu] not to carry out a widespread attack in Beirut... I spoke with Hezbollah representatives and they agreed to stop the firing." Conversely, Iranian sources affiliated with the regime, including the Mehr agency (via Khabari Plus), claim that the contacts for an agreement with Washington are still being examined in Tehran "very cautiously" due to a historical lack of trust in the US.

The strategic implications of the events have sparked debate among experts. Robert Pape, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, argued that "Trump's new post indicates an increase in Iran's power," as he claims Iran managed to set a condition that no talks would be held as long as Israel attacks in Lebanon – which forced Trump to intervene directly with Netanyahu. Media outlets affiliated with the Axis of Resistance, such as مقاومت اسلامی انصارالله یمن, emphasized the narrative that Trump's conduct weakens Netanyahu's position.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed optimism in an interview with ABC News (via Mehr News Agency/Khabari Plus), noting that he believes an agreement to extend the ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz will be reached within a week. However, reports in Fars International present a more complex picture, according to which the US is setting strict conditions including preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and the destruction of enriched uranium stockpiles, in light of claims of mutual violations of security quiet.