Washington: Trump, Netanyahu, Iran tensions grew after President Donald Trump paused planned strikes on Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged renewed military action, a US official told CNN.
The planned attacks were expected early in the week under a new name, Operation Sledgehammer. Trump later halted the Tuesday strikes after requests from Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
CNN reported that Gulf nations have stayed in close contact with the White House and Pakistani mediators. They are working on a framework that could extend diplomatic talks with Iran.
Trump told reporters Wednesday that talks were in the “final stages.” He said the US would either reach a deal or take steps that could be “a little bit nasty.”
Netanyahu told Trump during a tense Tuesday call that delaying the attacks was a mistake, according to a US official cited by CNN. An Israeli source said Netanyahu pushed to resume combat operations.
Israeli officials told CNN they fear Iran is using diplomacy to delay. Trump said Wednesday that diplomacy deserved a few more days if it could save lives.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran and Washington continue to exchange messages through Pakistan.
Read: US Iran Agreement Talks Enter Final Phase
However, a regional source said gaps over Iran’s nuclear program and frozen assets remained unresolved.
The Trump-Netanyahu-Iran divide leaves Washington balancing Israeli pressure for strikes with Gulf and Pakistani efforts to keep diplomacy alive. Trump also said the US remains ready if talks fail.
