Trump shows irritation with Netanyahu before White House talks on Iran
Signalling strain between the leaders, Trump complained that details of Netanyahu’s planned talking points on Iran had surfaced publicly
US President Donald Trump voiced irritation with Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of their White House meeting on Tuesday, complaining that details of the Israeli prime minister’s planned talking points on Iran had surfaced publicly, in a fresh sign of strain between the two leaders.
Asked about reports that Netanyahu wanted to talk to him about Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified facility buried deep underground near one of Iran’s main nuclear sites, Trump said, using Netanyahu’s nickname. “I don’t need Bibi to tell me that. Bibi’s telling me that because he wants me to stay involved.”
“Why don’t you just tell it to me? Why do you have to announce it to the world?” Trump said in an interview with “Fox & Friends.”
The New York Post newspaper reported on Monday that Netanyahu was expected to provide intelligence to Trump that Iran is building up its nuclear facilities at Pickaxe Mountain and is lying about wanting a peace deal, citing a source in Jerusalem.
Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s remarks.
Later, Netanyahu said in a video statement he had an “excellent” meeting with Trump, adding it touched on “our common goal: ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons”.