Trump Frustrated With Netanyahu Over Iran Attack Pressure; US Removes Saudi-Israel Normalization Requirement for Civilian Nuclear Talks

Tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have escalated, with Trump reportedly frustrated by Netanyahu's pressures to attack Iran. Their relationship has deteriorated to a low point, leading Trump to pursue Middle East initiatives independently of Israel. Concurrently, the United States has removed the requirement for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel as a precondition for advancing civilian nuclear cooperation talks.

This marks a departure from the previous Biden administration's policy, which linked nuclear discussions and a U.S.-Saudi defense pact to Saudi-Israeli normalization. Reuters cited sources confirming that under Trump, the U.S. will allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program without demanding diplomatic ties with Israel. However, some Israeli officials express skepticism about Trump's ability to secure Israeli approval for the Saudi nuclear program. Reports also indicate Netanyahu's statements downplaying the rift with Washington do not reflect the actual state of relations. Additionally, Trump and his associates accuse Netanyahu of deceiving the U.S. and not honoring agreements related to their shared security understandings. The discord reportedly intensified after the dismissal of National Security Advisor Waltz, who was involved in attempts to pressure Iran toward military action.