US President Donald Trump has openly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him ‘a very difficult guy’ and suggesting that Israel should appreciate Washington’s efforts to secure a peace framework with Iran.
The remarks were made during an interview with The New York Times and came shortly after the United States and Iran announced a framework agreement aimed at ending months of tensions, stopping military operations and opening negotiations on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
Trump defends Iran agreement
Speaking about Netanyahu, Trump said the Israeli leader had opposed the agreement but insisted the deal would ultimately benefit Israel.
‘He’s a very difficult guy,’ Trump said.
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‘And to be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours,’ Trump added.
The US President argued that American diplomacy had helped prevent a larger security threat in the region and maintained that the agreement created an opportunity for greater stability.
Warning to Iran over future talks
Trump also made it clear that the current framework was only the first step and warned that military action could resume if negotiations on a final nuclear agreement fail.
According to Trump, Washington expects Iran to engage seriously in future discussions concerning its nuclear programme. He also claimed that the agreement would help keep the strategically important Strait of Hormuz open and free from disruptions.
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Growing frustration with Netanyahu
Reports indicate that tensions between Trump and Netanyahu increased during the negotiations. According to The New York Times, Trump became increasingly frustrated as Israeli military operations in Lebanon risked disrupting ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.
That frustration was evident after an Israeli strike targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs shortly before negotiators were expected to finalise the agreement.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said the operation delayed the signing process.
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‘It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now,’ Trump said.
He also criticised the timing of the attack.
‘It is so bad, I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal,’ Trump told Axios.
According to reports, Trump later confronted Netanyahu over the operation and expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
Israel said the strike was carried out in response to Hezbollah attacks targeting northern parts of the country.
Peace deal moves forward
Trump later announced on Truth Social that ‘The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,’ following comments from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that mediation efforts had helped secure an agreement.
The memorandum of understanding is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on June 19.
Read More: ‘We are very close…, let’s not blow it’: Trump irate over Beirut strikes, asks Israel to halt attacks on Lebanon, says US-Iran deal is ‘close’
Under the proposed framework, military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, are expected to end. Iranian authorities have also indicated that military activities will cease permanently.
However, several major issues remain unresolved. The future of Iran’s nuclear programme and potential sanctions relief are expected to be negotiated during a proposed 60-day ceasefire period as both sides work toward a final agreement.
Israel did not immediately comment on the announcement. According to Reuters, Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that Israel was not involved in the US-Iran talks and have expressed reservations about certain aspects of the proposed agreement.
First published on: Jun 15, 2026 10:23 AM IST
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