Trump Admits Calling Netanyahu 'Crazy' During a Phone Call, Says Israel-Lebanon Conflict is Affecting Peace Talks With Iran

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "crazy" during a phone call this week, saying he was frustrated that Israel's ongoing military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon were complicating peace negotiations with Iran.

Speaking to the New York Post's 'Pod Force One', Trump sought to downplay the friction, insisting his relationship with Netanyahu remained strong and that the two shared a bond as "wartime" leaders. The admission, however, lays bare the mounting pressure Trump faces to bring the Iran conflict to a close, with rising energy prices and economic uncertainty threatening Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

Trump remained vague on a ceasefire timeline, suggesting the Strait of Hormuz could remain blocked until the Labour Day holiday on September 7, though he expressed hope for a quicker resolution. He identified Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — whose father was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in late March — as being involved in the peace process, noting that Khamenei was reportedly recovering from airstrike injuries but had been giving approvals for the talks.

On the ground, hostilities continued to undercut diplomacy. An Israeli airstrike struck a car on a highway south of Beirut on Wednesday, hours before the second round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington was scheduled. The latest round of fighting has killed 3,468 people in Lebanon and displaced 1.2 million, while at least 27 Israeli soldiers have died in or near southern Lebanon.

Lebanon seeks a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire; Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament before withdrawing its troops.