The White House is moving swiftly to finalise a framework agreement with Iran, placing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in an increasingly isolated position less than 48 hours before the Friday deadline. According to senior administration sources, President Trump has overruled objections from his own national security team to push through a deal that would freeze Iran's enrichment programme in exchange for the phased removal of sanctions.
For Mr Netanyahu, the timing could not be more damaging. His government has long argued that any accord with Tehran must include a complete dismantling of nuclear infrastructure and robust inspections. The emerging text, however, omits such demands, focusing instead on a three-year moratorium on enrichment above 3.67 per cent. In return, Iran would regain access to frozen assets and its oil markets.
The Israeli prime minister has privately expressed alarm to American interlocutors, warning that the deal legitimises a threshold nuclear capability and weakens the credibility of military deterrence. Yet his ability to shape the outcome is constrained by the Trump administration's desire for a diplomatic win ahead of the election cycle. One senior Israeli official described the situation as "the most strained moment in US-Israel relations since the Iran nuclear deal of 2015".
European capitals have reacted with caution. While London and Paris acknowledge the need for a deal to prevent escalation, they are concerned that the rushed timetable may miss crucial verification measures. The International Atomic Energy Agency has yet to confirm access to undeclared sites, a prerequisite for any credible agreement.
Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a public statement endorsing the negotiations, a move seen as a signal that the clerical establishment is prepared to test the deal's viability. Analysts suggest that Tehran's willingness to negotiate stems from sustained economic pressure rather than goodwill.
The diplomatic endgame now rests on a series of back-channel exchanges between Washington and Tehran, with Swiss mediation playing a central role. If the accord is signed by Friday, it would mark a dramatic reversal of the US administration's previous policy of maximum pressure. For Mr Netanyahu, the coming hours will determine whether he can salvage a unified Western front or whether the rift with Washington deepens permanently.
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to convene in emergency session tomorrow morning. No official statement has been issued from the Prime Minister's office, but sources indicate that Mr Netanyahu is considering a direct appeal to President Trump via a secure line. The outcome of that call could define the future of Middle East diplomacy.
