Trump pushes Netanyahu for unity on Iran strategy

President Donald Trump has sent a clear message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: the United States and Israel must coordinate their stance on Iran. This directive was delivered by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during her recent visit to Israel, where she held what she described as “candid and direct” talks with Netanyahu.

Noem’s visit came shortly after the fifth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Rome. Speaking to Fox News, she stated, “President Trump specifically sent me here to discuss the ongoing negotiations and to stress the importance of a united front as the process continues.”

Trump appeared optimistic about the talks, telling reporters on Sunday, “We’ve had some very good discussions with Iran,” hinting that a positive outcome might be forthcoming.

However, behind the scenes, tensions are mounting. CNN recently reported that Israel may be preparing for military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iran has responded with stern warnings, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to sabotage the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Netanyahu’s efforts to influence U.S. policy, calling them desperate.

Israel has long been skeptical of Iran’s intentions, maintaining that Tehran is edging closer to developing nuclear weapons. It views Iran’s support for regional militant groups as a direct threat to its security.

Noem reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel while emphasizing Trump’s dual approach: “The president wants peace, but he is also firm that Iran must never possess nuclear capabilities. He will not allow that to happen,” she said. “And he wants Netanyahu fully aligned with him on this.”

A central issue in the negotiations is Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The U.S. is pushing for a complete halt to enrichment, while Iran insists that its right to enrich for civilian use is protected under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Tehran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, even as Israel, which is believed to possess undeclared nuclear arms, remains unconvinced.

Trump previously withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Since then, the U.S. has reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to ramp up its nuclear work.

This week, Iran rejected any temporary suspension of enrichment in exchange for an interim deal, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei declaring that Iran is negotiating seriously and in good faith to reach a fair outcome.