Trump expresses frustration with Netanyahu before White House meeting

President Donald Trump conveyed apparent dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in remarks to Fox News on Tuesday, hours before their scheduled Oval Office meeting. This encounter marked their first formal meeting since jointly initiating military operations against Iran on February 28.

When questioned about reports that Netanyahu intended to present intelligence regarding Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, an underground nuclear facility, Trump responded dismissively. He stated he did not require Netanyahu to inform him of the matter and questioned the decision to make such information public. Trump characterized his knowledge of Pickaxe Mountain as comprehensive and downplayed its significance as a concern.

The timing of the meeting coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran following a 13-day military escalation. Trump has indicated that negotiations are progressing while simultaneously threatening additional military strikes, including potential attacks on Pickaxe Mountain and Iranian civilian infrastructure, should diplomatic talks fail. These tensions emerged after the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed in June that had halted hostilities, reopened the Strait of Hormuz, and lifted the US naval blockade on Iran.

Netanyahu's government had opposed the June agreement and has consistently advocated for continued military operations aimed at regime change. Trump also addressed disagreements with Netanyahu regarding the resumption of the F-35 programme with Turkey, asserting that the United States provides essential support to numerous countries, including Israel. Despite recent willingness by Trump and Vice President JD Vance to criticize Israel publicly, Washington's military support policy has remained consistent.