US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a heated phone call on Tuesday regarding negotiations for a ceasefire and a possible deal with Iran, according to a report from Axios.
As reported by American media, the two leaders reportedly disagreed sharply on the strategy to be pursued towards Tehran in the coming period, while a source connected to the matter said that "Bibi was on fire."
Specifically, according to the report, Trump called Netanyahu on Tuesday to inform him that mediators are working on a "letter of intent" aimed at ending the war and beginning a month of negotiations.
These talks are expected to include issues such as Iran's nuclear program, but also the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime oil transport corridors in the world.
Two Israeli sources cited by Axios reported that the two leaders had a clear disagreement on how to deal with Iran going forward. A US source with knowledge of the conversation said that “Bibi was on fire after the call,” describing the tense atmosphere that prevailed.
The publication notes, however, that Netanyahu appears systematically anxious at all stages of the negotiations. “Bibi is always anxious,” said one of the sources.
The revelation comes as the United States sent a new proposal to Iran through Pakistani mediators. Sources close to the Iranian negotiating team told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that Tehran was reviewing the document but no final decision had been made.
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters that US-Iran relations were "right on the line" between resuming war and reaching a deal.
"If we don't get the right answer, it could happen very quickly. We haven't got the right answer. The answers have to be 100 percent satisfactory," the US president said, adding that he would be given "a few more days" for negotiations.
Qatar and Pakistan have drafted a revised peace memorandum aimed at bridging the differences between the United States and Iran, according to Axios.
Tehran confirmed on Wednesday that talks were continuing, while Pakistan's interior minister has returned to the Iranian capital for the second time in a week to help with negotiations.
An Arab official who spoke to Axios said the "letter of intent" aims to secure more specific commitments from Iran on its nuclear program, as well as clearer guarantees from the United States about how frozen Iranian assets will be released.
"As we have stated in the past, Qatar has supported and continues to support Pakistan-led mediation efforts. We strongly support de-escalation for the benefit of the region and its people," a Qatari diplomat told Axios.
The developments come after Trump said Netanyahu "will do whatever I ask" on Iran, while noting that the two men have a good relationship.
"We need to open the Strait of Hormuz and it's going to happen right away. We're going to give this process a chance. I'm in no rush," Trump added, referring to the negotiations.
