US Media Report: Trump and Netanyahu Clash Over Iran Attack Plans

Washington — US media reports said a telephone conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘heated up’ on Tuesday, underscoring a sharp divergence over how to handle the war with Iran, according to US outlets cited by TRT on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

The call followed Trump telling Netanyahu that he was preparing to launch a new targeted strike against Iran at the start of the week, an operation reportedly to be named Operation Sledgehammer, CNN previously reported.

Trump then announced that he cancelled the planned attack on Tuesday after requests from key Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

However, during a one-hour phone call on Tuesday, Netanyahu told Trump that delaying the strike was a mistake. According to an American official, Netanyahu urged Trump to proceed with the military action as originally planned.

“The difference is clear — Trump wants to see if a deal can be reached, but Netanyahu expects something else,” one Israeli official told CNN.

Differences between Washington and Tel Aviv

In recent days, Gulf states have been involved in intensive mediation with White House and Pakistani officials to develop a new negotiating framework.

“We are in the final stage of negotiations with Iran. We will see what happens,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday. “We will reach a deal or we will take some tougher measures. But hopefully that will not be necessary.”

Netanyahu, who has consistently advocated a much more aggressive stance towards Tehran, grows increasingly frustrated by the delay. According to Netanyahu, the delay only strengthens Iran’s position.

“Frustration in Netanyahu’s inner circle is growing, with senior Israeli officials urging a new strike and expressing anger at what they describe as Iran’s diplomatic delays,” another Israeli official told CNN.