Trump Says Netanyahu Almost Derailed US-Iran Nuclear Agreement

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearly “derailed” a proposed US-Iran peace arrangement, alleging that recent military developments in the Middle East slowed progress on the agreement between Washington and Tehran. His remarks came during a phone interview with The New York Times, where he described Netanyahu as “a very difficult guy” while defending the US-led diplomatic effort.

Trump said that the proposed understanding between the United States and Iran aims to establish an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. He suggested that the deal, if finalised, would also reshape regional security arrangements and facilitate the reopening of key maritime trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor.

According to Trump, tensions escalated after Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which he claimed complicated ongoing negotiations and delayed the peace process. He argued that such actions created additional pressure on diplomatic channels and risked undermining the broader framework being discussed between the US and Iran. Israel, which is not part of the negotiations, has not yet issued an official response to these claims.

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The US President also suggested that Israel should be “very thankful” for American efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, warning that the existence of such a capability would pose an existential threat to Israel. He reiterated that Washington’s diplomatic and military posture was aimed at preventing further escalation in the region and stabilising long-standing conflicts.

Trump further stated that if Iran failed to comply with the proposed agreement within a set timeframe, the United States could resume military action or assume a more direct enforcement role in the Middle East. He even suggested the possibility of the US acting as a “guardian of the Middle East” under certain conditions, a role he said could involve financial arrangements tied to regional revenues.

He also characterised Iran’s current leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as pragmatic in contrast to earlier rhetoric calling for regime change. The comments mark a notable shift in tone compared to earlier phases of the conflict, when Trump had publicly urged internal opposition within Iran. As diplomatic discussions continue, the proposed agreement remains highly sensitive, with key regional stakeholders yet to formally respond.

Also Read: Trump Claims Iran Deal Isn’t Fully Negotiated Yet, Tells Critics: “Don’t Listen To Losers”