Trump Pushes Netanyahu to Align on Iran as Nuclear Talks Continue

Trump Urges Netanyahu to Align on Iran Amid Ongoing Nuclear Negotiations

President Donald Trump has sent a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: the United States and Israel must be aligned in their approach to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Homeland Security Chief Delivers Trump’s Message in Tel Aviv

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wrapped up her official visit to Israel on Monday, stating that President Trump instructed her to personally convey the importance of unity between the two nations during ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran.

“These discussions were candid and direct,” Noem told Fox News, adding that Trump “wants peace” but remains firm in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Trump Optimistic on Progress in Talks with Iran

Over the weekend, Trump expressed optimism regarding the latest round of nuclear negotiations in Rome—the fifth in recent months. “We’ve had some very, very good talks with Iran,” he told reporters. “I have a feeling I might be telling you something good.”

Israel’s Stance on Iran Remains Firm

Despite US-led diplomatic efforts, CNN recently reported that Israel is preparing for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian officials responded by accusing Netanyahu of trying to sabotage diplomatic progress.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Netanyahu “wants to dictate what the US can and cannot do,” adding that Tehran is prepared to retaliate against any military aggression.

Israel has long regarded Iran’s nuclear program as a critical security threat and remains skeptical of the ongoing negotiations.

Noem: Trump Will Not Tolerate a Nuclear Iran

Noem underscored Trump’s position: “This president will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. But he also wants Prime Minister Netanyahu to be aligned with him moving forward.”

Enrichment Continues to Divide US and Iran

A central issue in the talks is Iran’s uranium enrichment. While the US is calling for a complete halt, Tehran insists on its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and denies any intent to develop weapons. Meanwhile, Israel—widely believed to possess a covert nuclear arsenal—has consistently pushed back against any deal allowing Iran to maintain enrichment capabilities.

Iran Rejects Interim Deal, Escalates Program

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected the idea of suspending enrichment in exchange for an interim deal with the US. “We have entered the negotiations seriously and with purpose,” Baqaei said via Tasnim News Agency. “We are not here to buy time.”

JCPOA Fallout and Continued Sanctions

In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Since then, Washington has reinstated broad economic sanctions, and Tehran has expanded its nuclear operations in response.

With both sides sticking to firm positions, the road ahead remains uncertain.