Netanyahu seeks White House clarification over alleged US-Iran backchannel

Published 05 Mar, 2026 01:29am 1 min read
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File photo
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. File photo

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made urgent contact with the White House after receiving intelligence suggesting possible backchannel communication between the United States and Iran, according to media reports.

Citing a report by Axios, Al Jazeera said Israeli intelligence agencies suspected that indirect contacts may be taking place between Washington and Tehran.

The report claimed intelligence officials briefed Netanyahu on the alleged communications, prompting him to directly seek clarification from the White House.

Netanyahu reportedly asked whether the administration of US President Donald Trump was engaged in ceasefire talks or any form of reconciliation with Iran. He also inquired whether there were secret contacts underway.

The White House denied that any direct negotiations or ceasefire discussions were taking place.

US officials acknowledged that Iran had conveyed messages through certain regional mediators. However, they said the Trump administration had disregarded those messages.

The reports come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following days of military escalation in the region.

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