Netanyahu rules out diplomatic deal with Iran during meeting with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on August 26, 2026, that reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iranian officials is impossible, describing them as "savages." This declaration followed a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed ongoing negotiations regarding Iran.

Netanyahu expressed his skepticism directly to President Trump, questioning the viability of any pact with the current leadership in Tehran. He explicitly endorsed the new campaign of economic pressure against Iran recently announced by the Trump administration, which aims to severely impact the Iranian economy. Netanyahu has historically been a vocal critic of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018 during Trump's previous tenure.

The Israeli Prime Minister has maintained a cautious approach regarding his public stance on U.S. efforts to pursue diplomatic avenues for resolving the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East, which intensified starting in late August 2026. Despite previous U.S. attempts to seek a negotiated path, Netanyahu's recent comments solidify his opposition to diplomatic compromise with the Iranian authorities.