- Israeli officials have expressed skepticism regarding the Trump administration's Iran diplomacy, asserting that it is pursuing a deal "at any cost" even as negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz show signs of progress.
- A senior Israeli official stated that the distance between peace and war under Trump is merely the distance between the letters T, R, and U on a keyboard.
- Israeli officials have characterized the renewed diplomatic efforts as potentially allowing Washington and Tehran to return to a previous understanding regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli officials maintain that the country remains on high alert, with the Israel Defense Forces coordinating closely with the US Central Command.
- Israeli officials have indicated that they are not receiving direct briefings from Washington on negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, relying instead on indirect channels for updates.
- The remarks from Israeli officials come amid reports of progress between Iran and Oman towards a possible agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Israeli officials have raised concerns about President Trump's approach to Iran negotiations, asserting he is pursuing a deal "at any cost." A senior official remarked, "The distance between peace and war with Trump is the distance between the letters T, R and U on the keyboard."12
The skepticism comes amid reports of progress in talks between Iran and Oman regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route. Israeli officials claim they are not receiving direct updates from Washington, relying instead on indirect channels for information.6
Despite the diplomatic push, Israeli officials remain on high alert, with the Israel Defense Forces maintaining close coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM). They have mocked the renewed diplomatic efforts, suggesting any agreement would merely restore a previous understanding between Washington and Tehran.34
On World Peace Day, Israeli officials stated, "Trump wants a deal, his advisers want a deal at any cost, and the Iranians understand this." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that an agreement could be reached "today or tomorrow," while analysts at Goldman Sachs predict Brent crude prices will remain stable unless tensions escalate significantly.
The Israeli officials' characterization of the Trump administration's negotiating stance, however, remains unverified and may carry less weight than statements from the negotiating parties themselves.
“Israel is not receiving direct briefings from Washington on talks over the Strait of Hormuz, relying instead on indirect channels, Israeli media reported. Iran and Oman have made progress toward reopening the strait, with Esmail Baghaei saying discussions focused on safe inbound and outbound shipping routes.”
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