Trump says 'small differences' with Netanyahu on Iran; sees 'good probabilities' for deal

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged having "small differences" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning Iran policy, though he emphasized they are "pretty close" in their positions. Trump made these remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One.

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small differences, but we are pretty close

When asked about Netanyahu's opposition to a potential transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, Trump stated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is "a friend of mine and nobody tells me what we should sell him." He noted that while "Turkey is not a big follower of Israel or Bibi," Ankara is a "great ally" of the United States.

Trump is seeking an agreement with Tehran to end a war that is unpopular with the American electorate, while Netanyahu fears a U.S.-Iran pact would strengthen the Islamic Republic, his primary regional rival. Despite Trump's public praise for Netanyahu, he has also privately expressed frustration with the Israeli leader.

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Turkey is not a big follower of Israel or Bibi, but they are a great ally of the United States

Netanyahu is traveling to the U.S. to attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham and to meet with Trump. This will be their eighth meeting since Trump took office. Their last meeting in February saw Netanyahu persuade Trump to launch military action against Iran.

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I have a lot of patience... We'll see what happens. I think there are good probabilities that something can happen.

Regarding potential progress in talks with Iran, Trump expressed patience, stating, "I have a lot of patience... We'll see what happens. I think there are good probabilities that something can happen." He added, "If it doesn't happen, we'll go back to what we were doing two days ago," referring to bombing Iran.

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If it doesn't happen, we'll go back to what we were doing two days ago