Netanyahu discusses Iran nuclear threats with Trump amid rising tensions

On June 9, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a significant 40-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, centering around the tense situation regarding Iran's nuclear program. This conversation occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Iranian missile attacks on Israel in April and October 2024, which were retaliatory responses to Israeli strikes on Iranian proxies. Following the call, Netanyahu planned to convene a security meeting aimed at addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities and its implications for Israeli security. The urgency of the situation stems from Israel's long-standing apprehensions regarding Iran's intentions and the potential for a nuclear breakout. While U.S. diplomatic efforts aim to curtail Iran’s uranium enrichment, Israeli officials remain skeptical, believing any deal permitting enrichment poses a serious security threat. Netanyahu is pressing for a comprehensive approach that dismantles Iran's nuclear infrastructure, similar to the disarmament agreement achieved with Libya in 2003. Moreover, the timing of any military action is critical, with some Israeli military leaders indicating that conditions may be favorable for Israel to act against Iran's nuclear sites, particularly since Iran's defensive capabilities have been reportedly diminished due to previous conflicts. In light of this potential window of opportunity, U.S. intelligence suggests that Israel could launch a military operation on very short notice—within mere hours—raising concerns in Washington about the effects this could have on ongoing diplomatic negotiations. Trump expressed his concern about Israel taking unilateral action during this delicate phase of negotiations, urging Netanyahu to exercise restraint for the sake of diplomatic efforts with Iran. He indicated that while talks between the U.S. and Iran were progressing, the situation remained volatile, and any rash move could jeopardize the possibility of a peaceful resolution. Despite this, tensions remain high, emphasizing the fragile balance between military readiness and diplomatic negotiations.