Netanyahu was unaware of Trump’s plan for direct Iran talks, close sources reveal 

An Israeli political source confirmed on Tuesday morning that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was not informed in advance about the direct talks between the United States and Iran, announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference on Monday. The revelation has raised eyebrows, as it highlights a potential rift between the two allies and raises questions about the transparency of diplomatic communications between the U.S. and Israel.

The Israeli political source admitted that while the possibility of President Trump renewing contacts with Iran was considered, the announcement during the press conference still caught Netanyahu by surprise. The lack of prior consultation or notification regarding such a significant diplomatic move has drawn attention, particularly given the sensitive nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the central role Netanyahu has played in opposing the Iran nuclear deal.

Despite the surprise announcement, the Israeli source expressed a level of optimism about the situation, noting that Trump’s pledge to keep Israel informed on any developments during the negotiations was a positive aspect of the talks. The assurance that Israel would receive reports on the progress of the negotiations helped to ease some concerns in Jerusalem about being left in the dark on such critical matters.

The source also emphasized that the nature of these talks would be vastly different from the nuclear discussions under the Obama administration. Unlike the previous administration’s approach, which was criticized by Netanyahu and many in Israel for being too accommodating toward Iran, President Trump has employed a more aggressive strategy, which includes the use of military threats and the imposition of stringent sanctions. During the press conference, Trump explicitly stated that “if the talks with Iran fail, Iran will be in great danger,” signaling his willingness to use force if necessary to achieve his objectives.

This shift in approach has been welcomed by Netanyahu and other Israeli officials who have long expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, the lack of coordination on such a pivotal issue underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges faced by allies navigating divergent foreign policy priorities.

As the talks unfold, Israel will likely remain vigilant, closely monitoring the developments and seeking assurances that its security concerns are not overlooked in any potential agreement with Iran. The situation underscores the delicate balance that world leaders must strike in managing sensitive diplomatic negotiations, especially when the stakes are as high as nuclear non-proliferation.