Trump Criticizes Netanyahu as “Difficult” Over Iran Agreement

In a phone interview published Monday by the New York Times, President Donald Trump directed strong criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of conducting attacks that almost obstructed the final agreement with Iran.

Trump described Netanyahu as a "very difficult person," adding that Israel "should be grateful" for the American role in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The president affirmed that the deal with Tehran, if completed, would prevent Iran from developing military nuclear capabilities, which he said would bring greater stability to the region and spare Israel from potential existential threats.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated that the agreement reached by the United States with Iran would ensure the strait remains "permanently free of fees," considering the new understanding as a reshaping of Middle Eastern balances that serves American interests.

Trump also confirmed that the United States would resume military strikes against Iran if upcoming negotiations fail to yield a final nuclear agreement.

He noted that officials in his administration expect a new round of talks to begin in Switzerland on Friday.

The president pointed out that his decision to launch attacks on Iran in late February, along with imposing a naval blockade on its ports after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, contributed to shifting the regional power balance in favor of the United States.

On a separate note, Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that both contributed to the success of the settlement or at least did not obstruct the blockade imposed on the strait.

About President Xi, Trump said, "He was a very polite man," adding that Beijing did not attempt to break the naval blockade despite its heavy reliance on energy supplies through the region.