Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong doubts about the possibility of reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran after discussing the issue with United States President Donald Trump.
Eko Hot News reports Netanyahu said he raised the prospect of a deal with Trump during their recent meeting but questioned whether Iran’s leadership could be relied upon to reach a meaningful agreement.
Speaking at an event in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he and Trump had discussed three possible approaches to the Iranian situation.
According to Netanyahu, the first option was diplomacy and the possibility of securing a satisfactory agreement with Tehran.
He said he told Trump that while Israel would have no objection to a good agreement, he remained doubtful that such an agreement could be achieved.
Netanyahu then referred to Iran’s leadership as “those savages” while explaining his skepticism about negotiations.
“I tell you — an agreement cannot be reached,” Netanyahu said, according to reports of his remarks.
The Israeli leader’s comments were made while he was discussing his recent meeting with Trump at the White House.
Netanyahu said the two leaders had considered several possible approaches to dealing with Iran, including diplomacy and increased economic pressure.
He presented economic pressure as another option and praised Trump’s latest measures targeting Iran and entities that continue to support its government.
Trump has recently intensified his economic pressure campaign against Tehran.
Netanyahu welcomed the move, describing the increased pressure as an important step in efforts to influence Iran’s leadership.
He said Trump had chosen to expand pressure beyond Iran itself by targeting organisations and businesses that assist the Iranian government.
The Israeli prime minister’s position reflects his longstanding skepticism toward diplomatic agreements involving Iran.
Netanyahu has previously opposed international agreements that he believed did not sufficiently address Iran’s nuclear programme and other security concerns.
His latest comments indicate that he remains unconvinced that negotiations alone can produce an agreement that Israel considers satisfactory.
Trump, however, has continued to keep diplomacy among the options available in dealing with Tehran.
The two leaders have not always expressed identical views on the best approach to Iran, although they have maintained close communication on the issue.
Netanyahu’s latest remarks therefore highlight an important difference in emphasis between the Israeli and American positions.
While Netanyahu questioned whether an agreement could be achieved, he said Israel would have no objection to a genuinely effective deal.
He also made clear that Israel remains prepared to protect its interests if the situation changes.
The Israeli leader’s comments come as Washington continues to apply economic pressure on Iran.
The United States has expanded sanctions against individuals, companies and other entities accused of supporting Tehran.
Netanyahu praised the administration’s approach and said he had encouraged Trump to maintain pressure on Iran.
The remarks have added to renewed international attention on the possibility of future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Any potential agreement would likely involve major questions concerning Iran’s nuclear activities and other areas of concern to the United States and Israel.
For Israel, Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed that any diplomatic arrangement must provide meaningful assurances about Iran’s capabilities and regional activities.
For Washington, diplomacy remains one potential avenue for addressing the dispute while avoiding a prolonged escalation in the region.
The differing emphasis between Trump and Netanyahu could therefore remain significant as the United States considers its next steps toward Tehran.
Netanyahu’s latest statement does not formally end diplomatic possibilities between the United States and Iran.
Instead, it represents his assessment that reaching a dependable agreement with the current Iranian leadership would be extremely difficult.
The Israeli prime minister’s comments are also likely to keep Iran policy high on the international agenda.
As Washington continues its economic pressure campaign, attention will remain focused on whether Tehran responds through negotiations or maintains its current position.
For now, Netanyahu has made his position clear: he remains deeply skeptical that a meaningful agreement with Iran can be reached.
His remarks also underline the continuing importance of Trump’s approach to Iran and the potential impact of any future decision by the US administration.
