Trump says Israel complicates Iran peace talks, acknowledges calling Netanyahu ‘crazy’

What happened

The Associated Press reports President Donald Trump acknowledged having called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' during a recent phone call that included expletives, expressing frustration that Israel’s fighting with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon is complicating peace talks with Iran. Despite the tension, Trump insisted his relationship with Netanyahu remains solid, highlighting their shared status as 'wartime' leaders.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Trump’s remarks come at a time when talks to extend a fragile ceasefire into a sustainable truce are facing significant challenges. According to the AP, the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon is interwoven with the broader Iran war, with Iran demanding any truce address fighting in Lebanon as well. Netanyahu acknowledged 'tactical disagreements' with Trump but emphasized their agreement on key objectives and mutual respect.

Trump stopped short of committing to a timeline for ending the Iran war, suggesting the Strait of Hormuz could remain blocked as late as September. He stressed the necessity for Iran to cease nuclear weapon development efforts and for the strait to be reopened to enable oil and natural gas shipments. Trump also mentioned Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's involvement in peace talks, noting Khamenei's weakened condition reportedly due to wounds from an airstrike, but confirmed Tehran's commitment to negotiations.

Known from the source

• President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' in a phone call with expletives, as reported by AP.
• Trump stated Israel’s fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon complicates peace talks with Iran.
• Trump and Netanyahu maintain a working relationship despite disagreements.
• Negotiations to extend the fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah and reach peace with Iran are ongoing but strained.
• Trump has not committed to a timeline for ending the Iran conflict and mentioned the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked through early September.

What remains unclear

Meanwhile, security risks continue to escalate in the Persian Gulf, underscored by an Iranian drone strike on Kuwait's main airport terminal that killed one person and injured dozens, marking a dangerous escalation in retaliatory attacks between Tehran and Washington. The AP highlights the growing instability affecting Gulf nations previously considered relatively safe.

What remains unclear: Verify casualty figures and damage from the Iranian drone strike on Kuwait airport. Confirm details and responsibility of the Israeli strikes near Beirut and in southern Lebanon. Obtain independent confirmation for Khamenei’s injury and his current status. Check for updates on the status and progress of peace talks involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and the US.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: AP Iran. Open the source.