Netanyahu ‘Hair on Fire’ During Intense Call with Trump Over New Peace Proposal

May 21, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a “difficult” phone conversation over renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching an agreement with Iran, according to a report by Axios.

The talks reportedly focused on a revised peace and negotiation proposal being developed with inputs from regional mediators including Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt. The proposal is aimed at narrowing differences between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program and wider regional tensions.

Netanyahu Reportedly Upset Over Direction of Talks

According to Axios sources, Netanyahu reacted strongly following the conversation, with one source claiming the Israeli Prime Minister’s “hair was on fire” after the call, highlighting growing tensions between the two leaders over how to deal with Iran.

Reports suggest Trump remains open to a negotiated settlement with Tehran, although he has also warned that military action remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail. Speaking at the Coast Guard Academy, Trump reportedly said the situation remained “on the borderline” between a deal and renewed conflict.

Israeli officials are said to be sceptical about the ongoing negotiations, with Netanyahu reportedly favoring a more hardline approach toward Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

Iran Reviewing Updated Proposal Amid Regional Mediation Efforts

According to reports, the revised draft proposal includes possible commitments from Iran regarding its nuclear programme along with conditions related to easing restrictions and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Iran has reportedly confirmed that it is reviewing the updated proposals, though officials have not indicated any major shift in Tehran’s position so far.

Axios further reported that Trump informed Netanyahu during the call that mediators were working on a “letter of intent” that could eventually be signed by the US and Iran to pave the way for structured negotiations.

Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has officially commented on the reported phone conversation.