President Donald Trump is making it crystal clear that when it comes to negotiations with Iran, he sees himself — not Israel, not Europe, not anyone else — as the one calling the shots. And according to multiple reports, he delivered that message directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent phone call that’s already turning heads across Washington and the Middle East.
Axios global affairs correspondent Barak Ravid revealed on X that he spoke personally with Trump following the conversation. Trump reportedly said he and Netanyahu had a “very nice conversation,” but quickly added a line that is now dominating headlines: “This is my business, not anyone else’s.”
That statement came as talks between the United States and Iran continue behind the scenes amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing military conflict. Trump also reportedly admitted he was unhappy with Iran’s latest response regarding a proposed framework to end the fighting.
“I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Trump later blasted on Truth Social after reviewing what he called the response from Iran’s “so-called Representatives.”
The comments paint a picture of a president determined to maintain personal control over negotiations that could reshape the region. Trump’s message appears aimed not only at Tehran but also at allies like Israel who may have their own strategic priorities regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military operations.
Meanwhile, support for Trump’s approach is emerging from unexpected corners. Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, told Breitbart News that the negotiations “have to be between the U.S. and Iran” and warned against outside interference.
Talabani even referred to Trump as a “master of the deal,” saying the president could secure an agreement if he stayed focused on American interests rather than pressure from foreign governments or political factions.
“I think that President Trump again left to his own devices and left to America’s interests, and truly applying an America First agenda, could reach a good deal with Iran,” Talabani said.
Trump apparently appreciated those remarks enough to repost the Breitbart interview on Truth Social shortly before Ravid published details from the Netanyahu phone call.
At the same time, Trump has continued projecting confidence that Iran is feeling pressure. Earlier this week, he told reporters that Tehran wants “to make a deal badly” following what he described as severe damage to Iran’s military infrastructure, including its missile systems, naval assets, drones, and broader defense network.
Behind the scenes, there are signs the administration is fully focused on the negotiations. Reports indicate Trump canceled a planned Pakistan trip involving U.S. representatives, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, as tensions continue to intensify.
The message coming from Trump is unmistakable: he believes he alone can close the deal, and he does not appear interested in sharing the steering wheel.