In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the prospect of reigniting conflict with Iran during a phone call on Sunday evening. The conversation also touched on Trump’s recent visit to China, as Netanyahu prepared to meet with top officials in Jerusalem for a security briefing. This meeting follows reports of intensified preparations by Israel and the United States to resume military actions against Iran, potentially within the week. The discussions gained urgency after a drone attack on a nuclear power plant in the UAE, which suffered alongside Israel during the previous conflict with Iran.
Amid stalled negotiations since the ceasefire began on April 8, President Trump remains hopeful for a renewed deal with Iran, albeit with a stark warning of severe consequences should the Islamic Republic delay. He emphasized the urgency of the situation in a social media post, asserting that time was running out for Iran. Trump’s Situation Room meeting with national security advisers is scheduled for Tuesday to explore military strategies against Iran. Netanyahu, in his cabinet meeting, affirmed vigilance over Iran and expressed a readiness for various scenarios, anticipating insights from Trump’s China trip.
Trump’s recent visit to China included discussions with President Xi Jinping, who reportedly offered to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz—vital for global oil supply and currently blocked by Iran. Xi also pledged to refrain from supporting Iran militarily in the ongoing conflict. Following his China trip, Trump shared an AI-generated image suggesting looming military actions, underscoring the tense atmosphere. Trump conveyed optimism that Iran still seeks an agreement, expecting Tehran to submit a new proposal soon, despite the lack of a defined deadline for negotiations.
On the Iranian side, military spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi issued a stern warning about unprecedented retaliatory actions if the U.S. resumes attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian deputy speaker Hamidreza Hajibabaei cautioned against targeting Iranian oil facilities, threatening to disrupt global oil access from the region. Iranian media reported that the U.S. had not offered concrete concessions in recent talks, with Iran demanding the end of hostilities and lifting of sanctions. Tehran also insists on managing the Strait of Hormuz independently, while the U.S. demands limits on Iran’s nuclear sites and enrichment activities.
The drone attack at the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which caused a fire but no casualties or radiation impact, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The UAE has accused Iran of orchestrating attacks on its infrastructure. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, reportedly visited the UAE during the conflict, although the UAE denies such visits occurred. With tensions escalating, the international community, including the UN’s nuclear agency, has expressed concern over military actions threatening nuclear safety, urging restraint.