ALBAWABA - U.S. President Donald Trump has slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of doing things that nearly derailed current efforts to reach a final deal with Iran.
“He’s a very difficult partner to have when you’re in the middle of a very, very critical stage of negotiations,” Trump told *The New York Times* in remarks published by the paper, saying recent Israeli military operations risked upsetting the diplomatic progress made between Washington and Tehran.
“Israel should recognize the role that the U.S. has played in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and the emerging deal will enhance regional stability and address the long-term security concerns,” the U.S. president said.## Hormuz at the Heart of the Deal
The proposed agreement would assure the long-term restoration of the Strait of Hormuz and continued marine traffic along one of the world’s most critical oil corridors, Trump said.
He said the agreement is a strategic accomplishment that promotes U.S. interests and helps to restore peace across the region after months of fighting and economic turmoil.
Trump said he was confident in the diplomatic process but added that military force remains an option if discussions fail to create a comprehensive nuclear settlement.
He said that negotiators are working toward a final agreement between the United States and Iran, and a fresh round of discussions is slated to begin in Switzerland later this week.
Trump also justified the military campaign and naval actions initiated earlier this year, stating they changed the balance of power and set the stage for diplomacy to make progress.
“I also want to give credit to President Xi of China and President Putin of Russia who both were instrumental in creating an atmosphere that allowed the negotiations to move forward,” the U.S. president said.
Trump pointed out that China had not objected to maritime limitations in the Gulf, despite its petroleum imports going through the region, while Russia had backed moves to ease tensions.
Trump’s remarks underscore increasing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv as the United States comes closer to a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran.
The comments come as a wider debate is taking place about the future of regional security arrangements and the long-term power of any deal struck from ongoing talks, with friends and foes alike watching keenly the next round of diplomacy.
