Trump, Netanyahu hold ‘testy’ call over Iran

President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a contentious call Tuesday evening, people familiar with the matter said, with Netanyahu railing against a pact to end the war with Iran and Trump defending the diplomatic process.

- Alexander Ward, Anat Peled & Dov Lieber

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is railing against a pact to end the war with Iran.

(AP)

Israel has long expressed skepticism that Iran would abide by any agreement to dismantle its nuclear work and refrain from attacks on regional nations. Netanyahu reiterated those points with Trump in the Tuesday call and an earlier one on Sunday, the people said.

Trump was unconvinced, telling Netanyahu he would continue to pursue an accord that prevents Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump added that Iran faced fresh strikes if it didn’t show more flexibility in talks.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Trump said his call with Netanyahu went well and that the Israeli leader would “do whatever I want him to do.” Asked later whether he was close to making a decision on Iran, he replied: “It’s right on the borderline.”

“We have to get the right answers—it would have to be a complete 100% good answers,” he said of Iran’s response.

The White House and the Israeli prime minister's office didn’t respond to requests for comment.