Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly urged former U.S. President Donald Trump not to move ahead with a ceasefire with Iran, warning that such a step could endanger strategic interests at a critical moment, according to Anadolu. According to a report published by Axios on Monday, the two leaders spoke by phone on Sunday, during which Netanyahu shared his deep concerns about the potential risks of halting hostilities.
An Israeli official cited by Axios said Netanyahu cautioned that a truce with Tehran might weaken the coalition’s pressure just as it is showing results. Trump, however, appeared open to the idea of a ceasefire, though only if Iran meets Washington’s conditions. He reminded Netanyahu that the United States would require Iran to surrender all of its enriched uranium and to commit to halting any future uranium enrichment.
Later on Monday, Netanyahu confirmed that he had indeed spoken with Trump, writing on the U.S. social media platform X that he had thanked the former president for what he called a “heroic rescue operation” of an American aircrew member. According to Netanyahu, Trump expressed gratitude for Israeli assistance and called Israel a “steadfast, determined, and firm ally.” Netanyahu added that both leaders vowed to continue their efforts to “crush Iran’s regime of terror.”
The exchange comes amid an increasingly volatile backdrop. Since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, at least 1,340 people have reportedly been killed, including Iran’s then–Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with waves of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and U.S. military installations across the Gulf region.
As diplomatic and military tensions escalate, both Washington and Jerusalem appear to be weighing the costs of any pause in the fighting. For Netanyahu, the fear of giving Iran breathing room may outweigh any short-term appeal of calm.
