Trump Dismisses Claims Of Netanyahu Rift As Iran War Enters Third Week

US President Donald Trump forcefully dismissed reports of a growing rift between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Speaking to reporters on a flight back to Washington, Trump labeled rumors of a disagreement over the ongoing war with Iran as “fake news,” insisting that the two leaders remain in lockstep as the conflict enters its third week.

1. “Extraordinary” Relationship with Netanyahu

Despite murmurs that the US and Israel might differ on the war’s endgame—particularly regarding the timeline for regime change in Tehran—Trump doubled down on his partnership with Netanyahu.

• The Quote: “The relationship with Israel — that was another fake news… he will tell you we are leading the whole thing. My relationship with Netanyahu, I would say, is extraordinary.”
• Mutual Decisions: Trump recently told the media that the decision on when to end the war would be a “mutual” one, though he noted he would ultimately make the final call “at the right time.”
• Support for ‘Bibi’: Trump also took the opportunity to advocate for an immediate pardon for Netanyahu regarding his domestic legal battles, stating, “We want Bibi to be focused on the war.”

2. The Seven-Country Coalition for the Strait

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked and global oil prices surging past $106 a barrel, Trump revealed he is in active negotiations with seven countries to form a maritime protection force.

• The Demand: Trump argued that countries like China, Japan, and South Korea—which receive the vast majority of their oil through the Strait—must provide their own warships to secure the route.
• NATO Threat: In a blunt interview with the Financial Times, Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if European allies fail to assist. “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory… It’s the place from which they get their energy,” he stated.
• The “Minesweeper” Request: Trump specifically called for allies to send minesweepers and specialized vessels to clear Iranian naval threats in the narrow corridor.

3. Iran Rejects “Negotiation” Claims

While Trump told reporters that the US is “talking” to Iran and that Tehran is “getting pretty close” to wanting a deal, Iranian officials issued a sharp rebuttal.

• Araqchi’s Denial: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking to CBS’s Face the Nation, was categorical: “We have never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiations… We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”
• “War of Choice”: Araqchi labeled the conflict a “war of choice” by the Trump administration and claimed that Iran remains “stable and strong” despite the strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Conflict & Coalition Status: March 16, 2026

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — US President Donald Trump forcefully dismissed reports of a growing rift between himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Speaking to reporters on a flight back to Washington, Trump labeled rumors of a disagreement over the ongoing war with Iran as “fake news,” insisting that the two leaders remain in lockstep as the conflict enters its third week.

1. “Extraordinary” Relationship with Netanyahu

Despite murmurs that the US and Israel might differ on the war’s endgame—particularly regarding the timeline for regime change in Tehran—Trump doubled down on his partnership with Netanyahu.

• The Quote: “The relationship with Israel — that was another fake news… he will tell you we are leading the whole thing. My relationship with Netanyahu, I would say, is extraordinary.”
• Mutual Decisions: Trump recently told The Times of Israel that the decision on when to end the war would be a “mutual” one, though he noted he would ultimately make the final call “at the right time.”
• Support for ‘Bibi’: Trump also took the opportunity to advocate for an immediate pardon for Netanyahu regarding his domestic legal battles, stating, “We want Bibi to be focused on the war.”

2. The Seven-Country Coalition for the Strait

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked and global oil prices surging past $106 a barrel, Trump revealed he is in active negotiations with seven countries to form a maritime protection force.

• The Demand: Trump argued that countries like China, Japan, and South Korea—which receive the vast majority of their oil through the Strait—must provide their own warships to secure the route.
• NATO Threat: In a blunt interview with the Financial Times, Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if European allies fail to assist. “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory… It’s the place from which they get their energy,” he stated.
• The “Minesweeper” Request: Trump specifically called for allies to send minesweepers and specialized vessels to clear Iranian naval threats in the narrow corridor.

3. Iran Rejects “Negotiation” Claims

While Trump told reporters that the US is “talking” to Iran and that Tehran is “getting pretty close” to wanting a deal, Iranian officials issued a sharp rebuttal.

• Araqchi’s Denial: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking to CBS’s Face the Nation, was categorical: “We have never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiations… We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”
• “War of Choice”: Araqchi labeled the conflict a “war of choice” by the Trump administration and claimed that Iran remains “stable and strong” despite the strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Conflict & Coalition Status: March 16, 2026