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US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “very difficult man,” while defending the newly announced US-Iran deal and saying Israel should be grateful for Washington’s role in preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Speaking to a New York Times reporter, Trump also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for what he called their constructive roles during the crisis. Trump said the two leaders helped create conditions for a settlement and refrained from taking actions that could have escalated tensions during the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
“He’s a very difficult man,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “And to be honest with you, he should be very grateful to us for doing this.
Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel would not be there for two hours.”These statements come amid growing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over the US-Iranian memorandum of understanding, which Israeli officials criticized for failing to go further in dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.Trump insisted that the agreement would ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remained “permanently free,” a key US goal throughout months of negotiations.
He said that despite Netanyahu’s opposition, the agreement effectively removed what he described as the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.The US President also warned Tehran of the possibility of resuming military action if negotiations on the final nuclear settlement fail.According to Trump administration officials, detailed talks on the Iranian nuclear program are expected to begin after the official signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday.Trump also proposed an alternative scenario in which the United States could become the “guardian of the Middle East” in exchange for 20% of the region’s revenues.During the conversation, Trump particularly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping.“He was a complete gentleman,” Trump said, referring to Xi. He added: “He did not send a tanker with 20 destroyers on each side to try to break the siege.”Trump noted that such a move could have significantly exacerbated tensions between Washington and Beijing at a time when relations between the two countries are showing signs of improvement.The United States and Iran finalized their memorandum of understanding earlier on Sunday, and the official signing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to represent the United States at the event, although Trump has indicated he may decide to attend.