Trump Confirms Heated Exchange With Netanyahu, Praises Wartime Partnership
President Trump confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu profane names during a Monday phone call over Lebanon operations that have complicated U.S.-Iran negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine for the “Pod Force One” podcast released Wednesday, Trump confirmed he directed harsh language at Netanyahu but emphasized their continued cooperation.
The president expressed frustration over Netanyahu’s persistent military operations against Lebanon, which have complicated ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials have demanded Israel cease its targeting of Hezbollah before any agreement can be reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump described both himself and Netanyahu as leaders managing wartime responsibilities, noting their ability to work effectively together despite disagreements. The president confirmed he demanded Netanyahu halt fire, though he stressed his personal regard for the Israeli leader.
Despite concerns that the Israeli-Lebanon conflict could undermine broader peace efforts, Trump projected optimism about securing a deal in the near term. He pointed to record stock market performance as evidence of American economic resilience and noted that oil prices have not reached the catastrophic levels many predicted.
Oil currently trades at ninety-eight dollars per barrel, far below earlier forecasts suggesting prices could hit three hundred to four hundred dollars. Trump characterized this as acceptable given the stakes involved in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
A memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran could potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as this week, which would ease the energy crisis that has driven gasoline prices and inflation sharply higher.
However, negotiations have experienced multiple false starts, partly due to alleged Iranian reversals and the country’s prolonged courier communication process designed to protect Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from assassination.
Trump indicated he feels no pressure to rush a deal. He even acknowledged the possibility that the U.S. naval blockade around the strategic waterway could remain in place through Labor Day on September 7, which would mean elevated fuel prices throughout the summer and potential political damage to Republicans in the November 3 midterm elections.
Nevertheless, the president maintained his optimistic outlook, describing the situation as unlikely to extend that long and expressing confidence the matter will resolve fairly quickly. He characterized talks with Iran as rapidly evolving and reiterated his commitment to preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development.
The initial report of Trump’s vulgar language toward Netanyahu by Axios on Monday prompted backlash from some pro-Israel voices. Conservative commentator Mark Levin called for an FBI investigation into who leaked the information, arguing it aided Iran.
Trump has spent weeks attempting to broker an end to the conflict, which erupted on February 28 with an initial four-week projected timeline. A cease-fire has held since April 7, though both Iranian and American military forces have blocked most commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during the pause in fighting. Approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies flow through this vital waterway.
The president expressed his belief that Mojtaba Khamenei is actively involved in decision-making regarding how to conclude the war. Trump noted the fifty-six-year-old holds significant influence after Israeli airstrikes killed his father, the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other family members on the conflict’s first day.
Trump expressed interest in eventually meeting Mojtaba Khamenei personally, stating his willingness to engage with all relevant parties depending on how negotiations develop.
With information from New York Post
