Netanyahu Reportedly Flustered and Embarrassed on Live TV Following Trump’s Announcement of Iran Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared taken aback and visibly shocked during a joint press conference with Trump, following an unexpected announcement that discussions between Washington and Tehran were scheduled to commence this week.

In a surprising development, Trump announced during a broadcasted meeting in Washington on Monday.

“The talks are scheduled to proceed on Saturday,” stated the US leader.

“We have a significant meeting ahead, and we will assess potential outcomes,” Trump stated regarding the situation with the Islamic Republic. “I believe there is consensus that reaching an agreement is more desirable than pursuing the obvious alternative, which is not a course I wish to be part of.”

Trump asserted that the Israeli regime would prefer to avoid involvement in such a scenario, if possible.

“Trump expressed optimism, concluding with hopes for the success of the talks.”

Expressions of astonishment were clearly visible on their faces.

Israel Hayom reported that the declaration notably caught the Israeli delegation off guard, as they had not been informed about the impending negotiations.

A high-ranking political source informed the daily publication that although Israeli officials are currently attempting to minimize the event by asserting they had foreseen such a development, the truth of the matter is that “Israel was not previously informed about any agreement between Trump and the Iranian officials to initiate talks.”

An Israeli official on site described the reactions, noting, “The shock was evident in their expressions.”

In response to the announcement, Netanyahu has reportedly demanded the full dismantling of Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, rather than simply a freeze. This demand comes despite vetted international nuclear experts finding no evidence of the program being diverted toward military ends.

In parallel developments, another source corroborated that Netanyahu was informed during the meeting that the Israeli administration would play an active role in shaping the content of the negotiations. This involvement was described as “a very positive aspect,” countering any initial surprise.

An announcement regarding indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran has surfaced, coinciding with reports that the Sultanate of Oman has renewed its function as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. According to sources, Iran’s representative Araghchi and the U.S. regional envoy Witkoff are slated to engage in “indirect talks” in the Omani capital, Muscat, this Saturday.

Reports indicate that indirect discussions are scheduled to take place in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Saturday. These talks will involve Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US regional envoy Steve Witkoff.

Tehran has repeatedly stressed that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and include the full removal of what it terms Washington’s illegal and unilateral sanctions, especially those enacted under Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy.

Trump’s unexpected announcement, however, eclipsed a visit that was originally intended to focus on discussions with Netanyahu on a range of topics, including trade and tariff matters.

Israeli media have later reported that the underlying intent of Netanyahu’s swiftly organized trip was for officials at the White House to provide the Israeli prime minister with a direct briefing concerning the forthcoming negotiations between the United States and Iran.

“Returned without achieving goals or securing any gains.”

Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli newspaper, reported that Netanyahu traveled to Washington with hopes of advancing discussions on a 17-percent tariff imposed by Trump on Israeli products. However, the Israeli official encountered a “harsh and even somewhat humiliating” response, departing without any concrete accomplishments.

In a recent development, it was noted that the prime minister did not secure the desired outcome. There was no announcement from Trump regarding any reduction or cancellation of the 17% tariff imposed on Israeli imports.

Trump expressed commendation for Netanyahu’s decision to reduce tariffs on American products and called on other parties to emulate this approach. He assured a commitment to “keep talking” on the issue moving forward.

In relation to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, marked by intensified hostilities since October 2023 and the ongoing detention of numerous Israeli captives, Trump offered no significant policy declarations.

An Israeli publication highlighted that Trump provided only ambiguous remarks regarding the hostages, expressing little more than a hope for an expedited conclusion to the conflict in Gaza.

In a meeting with Netanyahu, Trump underscored the significant military assistance provided by Washington to Israel, noting that, “The US gives Israel $4 billion a year,” which includes an additional one billion on top of the usual American aid package.

Trump has reiterated his contentious proposal, first revealed earlier this year, to have the United States “own” Gaza, stating that the plan is “back on the table.” Additionally, he noted that Netanyahu had “convinced him” that certain nations, reportedly contacted by the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, were willing to accept displaced Gazans.

The meeting was deemed by many as highly unsuccessful.

The Israeli news outlet Walla characterized the gathering as “potentially the most unsuccessful meeting ever” between a US leader and an Israeli prime minister.

Netanyahu unexpectedly encountered a challenging situation during his meeting in the Oval Office. Trump presented him with a range of intricate political, security, and economic matters, to which Netanyahu struggled to provide effective responses, according to the outlet.

The Maariv daily characterized the trip’s conclusion as an “embarrassing event,” suggesting it prompted more questions than it provided answers. The report noted that Netanyahu, instead of directing the agenda, was reduced to a “mere prop” in what was described as Trump’s orchestrated effort to regain prominence in the realm of foreign policy.