Trump and Netanyahu Clash Over Iran War Endgame

Trump outlines terms for ending conflict as Israel vows to keep attacking Iran

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:21am

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President Donald Trump has outlined the conditions Iran would have to meet for the ongoing Operation Epic Fury against the country to end, including no nuclear weapons, limits on missile development, and a return of enriched uranium. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will continue attacking Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon despite the potential for a U.S.-Iran deal, saying Israel will pursue its own goals in the conflict.

Why it matters

The clash between Trump and Netanyahu highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Iran conflict, with the U.S. seeking a diplomatic resolution while Israel remains committed to a military approach. This could complicate efforts to de-escalate the situation and bring an end to the hostilities.

The details

Trump said talks have started between the U.S. and Iran, and that he has paused a planned strike on Iranian power plants for five days. He outlined conditions Iran would have to meet, including no nuclear weapons, limits on missile development, and the return of enriched uranium. However, Netanyahu said in a video message that Israel will continue "smashing" Iran's missile and nuclear programs, as well as attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon, even as the U.S. and Iran negotiate. Netanyahu said he believes there is an "opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements we have reached" to reach a deal that safeguards Israel's interests.

  • On March 23, 2026, President Trump outlined the conditions for ending Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
  • Also on March 23, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will continue attacking Iran and Hezbollah despite the potential for a U.S.-Iran deal.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who has vowed to continue attacking Iran and Hezbollah despite potential U.S.-Iran negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking for all of the things that we've been talking about. We want to see no nuclear bomb, no nuclear weapon, not even close to it, low-key on the missiles. We want to see peace in the Middle East. We want the nuclear dust, we're going to want that, and I think we're going to get that.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“We are smashing the missile program and the nuclear program, and we continue to deal severe blows to Hezbollah.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

What’s next

The U.S. and Iran are expected to continue negotiations over the next several days to try to reach an agreement that would end the ongoing conflict. However, Israel's vow to continue attacking Iran and Hezbollah could complicate these efforts.

The takeaway

The clash between the U.S. and Israel over the endgame for the Iran conflict highlights the deep divisions and competing interests at play in the region. While the U.S. seeks a diplomatic resolution, Israel remains committed to a military approach, which could undermine efforts to de-escalate the situation.