Jerusalem, August 27, 2026: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he does not believe a diplomatic agreement can be reached with Iran’s current leadership, sharply questioning the prospects for negotiations between the two sides.
Speaking at an event in Israel, Netanyahu said he and U.S. President Donald Trump had discussed the possibility of diplomacy with Tehran but expressed strong doubts that an agreement could be achieved.
Netanyahu instead welcomed Trump’s intensified economic pressure campaign against Iran, describing the U.S. strategy as a strong approach to putting pressure on Tehran. The campaign includes expanded sanctions and efforts to target countries and entities supporting the Iranian government.
His comments come as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Trump has said he is not in a hurry to resume negotiations with Iran, while Qatar is preparing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and creating conditions for renewed dialogue.
The conflicting positions highlight the difficult path toward a diplomatic settlement. While the United States continues to apply economic pressure, regional actors such as Qatar are pushing for dialogue and de-escalation.
Netanyahu has historically opposed diplomatic agreements with Iran, including the 2015 nuclear deal, and has repeatedly argued that Tehran poses a major security threat to Israel.
The latest remarks could further complicate international efforts to find a negotiated solution to the continuing U.S.-Iran confrontation.
