By Gloria Ogbonna
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a potential agreement with Iran—currently being explored under the direction of President Donald Trump—could ultimately safeguard Israel’s “vital interests,” even as military operations in the region continue.
In a public video statement, Netanyahu revealed that he had recently spoken with Trump and expressed cautious optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to Netanyahu, Trump believes recent battlefield gains by both Israeli forces and the United States have created a strategic opening—one that could be leveraged to secure a broader agreement aimed at ending hostilities while achieving key war objectives.
Netanyahu emphasized that any deal under consideration must ensure Israel’s long-term security, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
He described the possibility of an agreement not as a retreat from military pressure, but as a complementary strategy that could lock in recent gains while avoiding a prolonged and potentially destabilizing conflict.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Netanyahu made clear that Israel’s military campaign remains active. He confirmed that Israeli forces are continuing operations in both Iran-linked targets and neighboring regions such as Lebanon, with a focus on dismantling missile infrastructure and weakening Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah.
He also noted that recent strikes had targeted individuals connected to Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring Israel’s ongoing commitment to neutralizing perceived threats.
Meanwhile, Trump disclosed that the United States and Iran had engaged in what he described as “very productive” discussions over the past several days. Posting on Truth Social, Trump suggested that negotiations could lead to a “complete and total resolution” of tensions in the Middle East if progress continues.
As a sign of goodwill and to support the diplomatic track, Trump said he had directed a temporary pause—reportedly lasting five days—on planned U.S. strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. However, he cautioned that military action could quickly resume if negotiations fail to produce meaningful results.
.@POTUS: "We have a very serious chance of making a deal. That doesn't guarantee anything… We are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal… But again, I'm not guaranteeing anything." pic.twitter.com/ehQYCwtdWZ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 23, 2026
According to Trump, key figures such as Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner have been leading the U.S. negotiating efforts. Talks reportedly began over the weekend and have continued behind closed doors, with both sides exploring areas of potential agreement while significant differences remain.
Behind the scenes, Israeli officials are said to be working actively to influence the shape of any potential deal. Reports indicate that Netanyahu has also been in contact with Vice President JD Vance, reinforcing coordination between Washington and Jerusalem as negotiations progress.
Israeli leadership has outlined several non-negotiable conditions for any agreement. These include the removal of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, a complete halt to its nuclear weapons development program, strict international inspections led by the International Atomic Energy Agency,
limitations on ballistic missile capabilities, and an end to Iran’s support for regional proxy groups.
At the same time, diplomatic channels appear to be expanding. Reports suggest that Pakistan may be positioning itself as a potential intermediary, facilitating indirect communication between Washington and Tehran as efforts to reach a breakthrough intensify.
However, significant challenges remain. Iranian officials are reportedly seeking security guarantees against future military action, compensation for wartime damages, and broader geopolitical concessions.
While there are indications of limited flexibility on certain issues, skepticism persists among Israeli officials regarding whether Iran would agree to terms that substantially limit its strategic capabilities—or adhere to them if it did.
Netanyahu acknowledged these uncertainties but reiterated that Israel would not rely solely on diplomacy. He stressed that military operations will continue alongside negotiations, ensuring that Israel retains the ability to defend itself regardless of the outcome of talks.
As diplomacy and military strategy move forward in parallel, the situation underscores the delicate balance between seeking peace and maintaining pressure—an approach that could shape the future of Middle East stability in the weeks ahead.
Source Breitbart
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