Washington: US President Donald Trump has revealed details of how he persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran, saying he focused on one key message: preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Speaking during the G7 summit in France, Trump said he urged Netanyahu to look at the long term security benefits of the agreement rather than the political disagreements surrounding it. According to Trump, he told the Israeli leader, “Won't be nuked, think of it, Bibi,” suggesting that a successful agreement would ensure Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon and would therefore remove one of Israel's biggest security concerns.
Trump's remarks offered a rare glimpse into discussions between the two leaders as Washington and Tehran move closer to a formal agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East. The proposed deal is expected to include commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear programme, while also opening the door to sanctions relief and broader diplomatic engagement.
The comments come at a time when the United States is trying to secure support from its allies for a diplomatic approach after months of heightened tensions in the region. Trump has repeatedly argued that negotiations offer a better path to stability than continued military confrontation and has described the agreement as a major opportunity to prevent another conflict in the Middle East.
For Netanyahu, backing the agreement is a politically sensitive decision. The Israeli leader has long been one of the strongest critics of negotiations with Iran and was a vocal opponent of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Over the years, he has consistently warned that Iran cannot be trusted and has argued that any deal must guarantee that Tehran is permanently prevented from developing nuclear weapons.
Reports from several international news organisations suggest that Trump and Netanyahu held extensive discussions before reaching a common position. While Israel remains cautious about the details of the agreement, officials have indicated that the government is willing to give diplomacy a chance if strict safeguards are put in place.
According to reports, the proposed understanding between Washington and Tehran includes measures aimed at ensuring that Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons. International monitoring and inspections are expected to play a central role in verifying compliance. The agreement is also expected to address economic issues, including access to some frozen Iranian assets and limited sanctions relief.
Trump has defended the deal by arguing that it serves the interests of both the United States and Israel. He said the main objective is to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power while also avoiding a wider regional conflict that could threaten global energy supplies and economic stability.
The agreement has generated mixed reactions in Israel. Supporters believe that diplomatic engagement could reduce tensions and lower the risk of war. Critics, however, argue that Iran may receive significant economic benefits while retaining parts of its nuclear infrastructure. Some opposition figures have warned that the agreement could leave important security questions unanswered.
Despite those concerns, Netanyahu has largely avoided direct public criticism of Trump. Instead, he has emphasized that Israel will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure its security and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The developing agreement has also attracted international attention. Several world leaders attending the G7 summit welcomed efforts to reduce tensions and avoid further instability in the Middle East. Many governments view the negotiations as an opportunity to prevent a wider regional conflict and encourage dialogue between longtime rivals.
The coming weeks are expected to be crucial as negotiators work to finalize the details of the agreement. While significant challenges remain, supporters of the initiative believe it could mark an important turning point in relations between the United States and Iran.
Trump's revelation about his conversation with Netanyahu highlights the delicate diplomacy behind the negotiations and underscores the importance of Israel's security concerns in shaping any future agreement. Whether the deal ultimately succeeds or faces new obstacles, it is already emerging as one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the Middle East in recent years.