Rift in coalition: Trump and Netanyahu clash over Iran policy

WASHINGTON: Strains have reportedly emerged between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the strategic direction of military operations against Iran. According to US media reports, a recent phone call between the two leaders grew highly contentious after Washington indicated a preference for a diplomatic peace framework over renewed military strikes—a pivot that reportedly drew sharp pushback from Jerusalem.

An Axios report revealed that Netanyahu was left visibly frustrated and anxious following Tuesday's high-stakes call. The Israeli Prime Minister is reportedly lobbying for an immediate resumption of airstrikes, aiming to systematically dismantle Iran’s military capabilities and destabilise the regime by targeting critical infrastructure.

The friction follows an announcement by President Trump on Sunday, in which he disclosed that planned Tuesday strikes against Iranian targets were halted following diplomatic interventions from Arab allies, including the United Arab Emirates. Regional sources indicate that Qatar and Pakistan have spearheaded a renewed, mediated peace draft designed to de-escalate the standoff between Washington and Tehran.

While Netanyahu remains deeply sceptical of the ongoing mediation efforts, Trump has publicly downplayed any lasting rift. The US President asserted that the Israeli leader would ultimately align with Washington's positioning, maintaining that the personal and political relationship between the two leaders remains strong.