U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a diplomatic agreement with Iran is close. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested that a deal was “pretty sure” to happen, avoiding the need for military action.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, called for the complete dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. His remarks came as U.S.-Iran talks showed progress after a third round of negotiations in Oman over the weekend.
Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel.
Why It Matters
The divergence in rhetoric between the United States and Israel underscores the complex geopolitical stakes involved in efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump’s focus on diplomacy could shape the region’s future stability, while Netanyahu’s harder line highlights Israel’s enduring security concerns.
Both countries agree that Iran must be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but differences in approach could impact the ongoing negotiations. The outcome could significantly affect not only U.S.-Iran relations but also broader Middle East dynamics.
Evan Vucci/AP Photo
What To Know
Trump reiterated his belief that an agreement with Iran is imminent, assuring reporters that “a deal is going to be made” and that military escalation was not the first option. He stressed the administration’s preference for diplomacy over conflict, even as he acknowledged that military intervention remained a possibility if negotiations failed.
“We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place,” Trump added, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful resolution over military action.
Netanyahu Demands More Stringent Terms
Speaking at the Jewish News Syndicate policy conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu insisted that any agreement must eliminate Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium. He warned that a lenient deal would allow Iran to wait out Trump’s presidency and resume nuclear activities. Netanyahu also called for Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities to be addressed during the talks.
Maya Alleruzzo/AP Photo
Fourth Round of Talks
In a post on X on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran is able to thwart any attempts by “malicious external actors” to undermine its foreign policy.
“Iran is strong and confident enough to block any efforts to sabotage its course,” he said.
This came as U.S.-Iran negotiations are expected to continue with a fourth round of talks.
Israel’s fantasy that it can dictate what Iran may or may not do is so detached from reality that it hardly merits a response.
What is striking, however, is how brazenly Netanyahu is now dictating what President Trump can and cannot do in his diplomacy with Iran.…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 28, 2025
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said: “On the Iran situation I think we’re doing very well. I think a deal is going to be made there. That’s going to happen. Pretty sure it’s going to happen. We’ll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “Dismantle all the infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program. That is a deal we can live with. A bad deal is worse than no deal.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote: “Israel’s fantasy that it can dictate what Iran may or may not do is so detached from reality that it hardly merits a response.”
What Happens Next
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran are set to continue in the coming days, as both sides work toward a possible agreement while Israel keeps close watch on the terms being discussed.
