Netanyahu Warns US: Iran Cannot Be Trusted Ahead of Talks

Israel Issues Stark Warning to US Envoy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a direct message to the United States on Tuesday, cautioning that Iran cannot be trusted as a U.S. envoy prepares for potential diplomatic talks. The warning came during a meeting in Jerusalem with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

In an official statement following the discussion, Netanyahu's office clarified Israel's position. "The Prime Minister clarified his position that Iran has proven time and again that its promises cannot be relied upon," the statement read.

U.S. and Israeli officials convene amid rising diplomatic tensions with Iran.

According to a report from Haaretz, President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also present at the high-stakes meeting. Although Kushner holds no formal position within the Trump administration, he has played a central role in U.S. engagement with Israel and negotiations related to Gaza.

US-Iran Negotiations Face Logistical Hurdles

The planned talks between the U.S. and Iran are already encountering logistical challenges. While initial reports suggested Witkoff and Araghchi would meet in Turkey, the venue might be moved to Oman.

Adding to the uncertainty, Axios reported on Tuesday that Iran was introducing new demands concerning the talks. However, this claim was quickly disputed by Ali Vaez of the Crisis Group.

"A senior Iranian official just told me that this report is not accurate: 'Both sides are deciding together on the best format and venue,' he noted," Vaez stated on X, directly responding to the Axios story. The White House has since affirmed that the talks are still scheduled to proceed this Friday.

Iran's Missile Program Remains Key Obstacle

Despite the planned diplomatic engagement, the likelihood of a comprehensive deal between the U.S. and Iran remains low. A major sticking point is the Trump administration's insistence that any agreement must include restrictions on Tehran's missile program. Iranian officials have consistently described this condition as a non-starter.

The push for diplomacy comes against a backdrop of escalating military tension. President Trump has threatened to bomb Iran for weeks and has ordered a significant U.S. military buildup in the region. This has included the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group, along with additional air defense systems.

This pattern of simultaneous diplomatic outreach and military posturing has historical precedent. Before the launch of the 12-Day War, President Trump also publicly called for diplomacy, which was later seen as a deception campaign to catch Tehran off guard. Israel initiated that war on June 13, just days before another round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks was scheduled. Hours before the first Israeli airstrikes, President Trump had publicly stated his commitment to diplomacy with Iran.