Trump, Netanyahu hold 'lengthy and dramatic' call as Iran decision nears

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a "lengthy and dramatic" phone call overnight, their second contact in just a few days, Israel's Channel 12 reported on Wednesday. No details were provided about the content of the discussions, but the channel characterized the talks as "lengthy and dramatic." The broadcaster said the call came as the two leaders appeared to be "on the verge of a decision" regarding the Iran war.

Previous warning

On Sunday, Netanyahu and Trump spoke in a call that lasted more than 30 minutes focused on "the possibility of renewing fighting in Iran." Following that call, Trump warned Iran on Truth Social that "the Clock is Ticking" for Iran. On Monday evening, Trump announced he had postponed an attack planned for Tuesday against Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Prepared for assault

Trump added in a post that he instructed the Defense Department "to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached." Neither the White House nor Netanyahu's office issued a statement about the latest call.

Blockade and stalemate

Following stalled negotiations mediated by Pakistan, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, including those along the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by closing the strait, requiring ships to coordinate passage with Tehran, amid fears the fragile ceasefire could collapse.