Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a breaking point as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump show different views on the strategy for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. During a phone call on June 9, 2025, Netanyahu insisted on the need for tough military pressure on Tehran, accusing the Iranian government of deliberately dragging out negotiations. However, as reported by Axios, Trump remained committed to diplomacy, expressing confidence in the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran. Meanwhile, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael Kurilla, said that American forces are fully prepared for a military scenario if negotiations fail, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the potential for further escalation.

The differences between Netanyahu and Trump reflect a long-standing dichotomy over Iran’s nuclear program. Israel, which views Iran as an existential threat, favors preemptive measures, including military strikes on nuclear sites. Netanyahu, according to The Times of Israel, told Trump that Iran was using the talks to buy time by continuing to enrich uranium to near-weapons levels. He warned the UN in 2020 that Tehran could build two nuclear bombs, and the IAEA says Iran has since increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, just one step below the 90% weapons level. The Israeli military has been developing plans in recent months to attack nuclear sites, including the underground complexes at Fordow and Natanz, according to Reuters, though Trump has pressed for those plans to be put on hold in favor of diplomacy.

Trump, having returned to power in January 2025, has placed his bets on resuming the dialogue with Iran that began in April in Oman and continued in Rome. According to the BBC, the third round of talks held in Muscat ended without breakthroughs, but the American side, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff, remains cautiously optimistic. Trump, speaking in an interview with Fox News, said he prefers "a deal over bombing," but warned Tehran of a "tough response" if the talks fail. At the same time, Iran, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, insists on lifting sanctions and maintaining the right to peacefully enrich uranium, rejecting US demands to include restrictions on the missile program in the deal.