Trump Calls Netanyahu ‘A Very Difficult Guy’, Says He Should Be ‘Thankful’ For US-Iran Diplomacy

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 07:22 IST

Trump has slammed Netanyahu as “a very difficult guy” after a US-Iran peace framework was reached, while warning Tehran of renewed action if nuclear talks fail.

US President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as “a very difficult guy" and saying the Israeli leader should be grateful for Washington’s efforts to secure a peace framework with Iran, according to an interview with The New York Times.

The remarks come as the United States and Iran announced a framework agreement to end months of conflict, halt military operations and begin negotiations on unresolved issues, including Tehran’s nuclear programme.

In the interview, Trump argued that Israel stood to benefit from the agreement and suggested that US diplomacy had protected the country from a potentially greater threat.

“He’s a very difficult guy," Trump said of Netanyahu.

“And to be honest with you, he should be very thankful to us for doing this. Because if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours," Trump added.

Trump also warned Iran that military action could resume if negotiations on a final nuclear accord break down.

The US President said that if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear agreement with Washington, he would either restart military attacks on Tehran or make the United States “the guardian of the Middle East" in return for 20 per cent of the region’s revenues.

Trump further claimed that the agreement reached with Iran would ultimately ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains “permanently toll-free," a significant assertion given the waterway’s importance to global energy markets.

FRUSTRATION WITH NETANYAHU GREW DURING TALKS

According to The New York Times, Trump had become increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu in recent weeks as Israeli military operations in Lebanon repeatedly threatened to jeopardise ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

That frustration was also evident in comments Trump made to Axios following an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday.

According to AFP, Trump said the attack delayed the planned peace agreement by several hours.

“It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now," Trump told Axios.

AFP reported that Trump expressed anger over the timing of the strike, which occurred shortly before negotiators were expected to finalise the agreement.

Trump also criticised Netanyahu directly over the operation.

“It is so bad, I couldn’t believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal," Trump told Axios, according to AFP.

The news agency further reported that Trump said he confronted Netanyahu after the strike, expressing his dissatisfaction with the Israeli leader’s decision-making.

The Israeli military operation targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs and was carried out in response to what Israel said was Hezbollah fire into northern Israel.

PEACE FRAMEWORK REACHED, BUT KEY QUESTIONS REMAIN

Trump announced on Truth Social that “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete," shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal had been reached through mediation efforts.

The memorandum of understanding is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland on June 19.

Sharif said the agreement calls for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon," while Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also said military operations would end permanently starting Monday night.

However, major questions remain unresolved.

Reuters reported that the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme will be negotiated during a proposed 60-day ceasefire period, with discussions also expected to cover sanctions relief.

There was no immediate reaction from Israel to the announcement.

Reuters reported that Israeli officials have maintained that Israel was not a party to the US-Iran negotiations and have voiced concerns over elements of the emerging agreement.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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