Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released his first set of statements following Trump’s announcement of a temporary halt to some US strikes on Iran.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Earlier this morning, President Trump announced on Truth Social that the US had engaged in “very good and productive conversations” with Iran over the past two days aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of our hostility in the Middle East.” He said that based on the “tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed and constructive conversations,” he instructed the Department of War to “postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period.” Trump added that discussions would continue “throughout the week,” so that further diplomatic engagement could shape the next steps in US policy toward Iran.

What’s going on now: In a statement made on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that he had spoken directly with President Trump and said there was a possibility of turning recent military gains into a diplomatic outcome. “President Trump believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements we have reached alongside the U.S. military to realize the goals of the war through an agreement that will safeguard our vital interests,” Netanyahu said. He made clear that Israel is not easing its military posture while talks are explored, stressing, “We will protect our vital interests under any circumstances,” and adding, “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon.”

He argued that ongoing operations are “crushing the missile programme and the nuclear program” and “inflicting heavy damage on Hezbollah,” and alluded to the fact that Israel intends to maintain pressure even as diplomatic possibilities emerge.

Behind the scenes, reports indicate parallel diplomatic channels may be forming, including a potential meeting between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, possibly facilitated through intermediaries including Oman and Turkey.

Despite this, messaging from Iran remains at odds with US and Israeli claims. Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations are taking place, with Iranian media outlets saying there is “no direct contact” with Trump and dismissing talk of diplomacy altogether.