IDAN KWELLER

Hegseth, who is in Ankara alongside US President Donald Trump for the NATO summit, was expected to make a brief visit against the backdrop of the American strikes against Iran.

The ambassador also rejected a report that he had raised his voice at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a conversation about the Lebanon agreement.

Netanyahu and Trump last met on February 11, 2026. Later that month, the United States and Israel jointly attacked Iran.

“Israel is not only Turkey’s problem, and it is not only President Erdoğan’s problem,” the Turkish foreign minister said. “These people have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear."

The Israeli Embassy in the United States confirmed the extension of the talks, which entered their fourth day. The negotiating teams will return to the table at the US State Department in the morning

Former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer said that while he had heard “concerns” about a possible agreement with Iran, Israel should “take a step back” and assess the current strategic picture.

Trump also asserted that Israel was not involved in the strikes, which reportedly targeted Iranian air defenses and radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

In an exclusive interview, Andrew Giuliani, the US officer overseeing the World Cup, said the White House wants the world to come to the United States for the tournament.

It was further stated that “under US guidance, the two sides agreed to move quickly toward establishing pilot zones in which the Lebanese army will have exclusive control over the area."

The source said the disagreement focused on public messaging after the call, as Washington sought to prevent escalation in Lebanon amid US-Iran negotiations.