Netanyahu caught off guard by Trump's support for Erdogan amid nuclear talks
- Netanyahu was surprised by Trump's praise of Erdogan and the announcement of resumed talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
- The two leaders discussed critical issues including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the fate of hostages held by Hamas.
- Despite the unexpected dynamics, both leaders are focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensuring the hostages’ return.
In a recent meeting in the Oval Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu experienced surprise at U.S. President Donald Trump's comments regarding various pressing issues, primary among them Iran's nuclear ambitions and U.S.-Israel trade tariffs. The meeting focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding Iran, particularly the revival of talks about its nuclear program. Netanyahu was taken aback when Trump announced these negotiations, as they had previously sought to terminate the Iran deal established by former President Obama. Trump, however, assured that both leaders shared a mutual goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In addition to the Iranian situation, the pair addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing issue of hostages held by Hamas, with Trump expressing a strong commitment to their return. During the discussions, Netanyahu's discomfort was apparent when Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite Erdogan's history of antisemitic remarks. Trump offered to mediate potential conflicts arising between Turkey and Israel, specifically regarding Turkey's interventions in Syria, which may have added to Netanyahu's unease about the meeting. Trade tariffs were also a significant topic, with Israel facing a 17% tariff on its exports to the U.S. Trump initially outlined how various nations would be affected by trade policies, prompting Netanyahu to promise a swift removal of trade barriers. Trump's failure to publicly announce the removal of the tariff created speculation that this was a personal affront to Netanyahu, although some analysts argue it indicates Israel's alignment with Trump's economic strategies, given other countries are adopting similar approaches. Overall, the discussions between Trump and Netanyahu highlight the complex political landscape facing both leaders, particularly how developments in Iran's nuclear program could impact regional stability and the importance of the hostage situation in Gaza. While both leaders aim for a common goal, differing diplomatic approaches and unexpected comments left Netanyahu feeling uneasy and surprised during this crucial meeting.