US President Donald Trump publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a "very difficult guy", while defending the newly announced US-Iran agreement and arguing that Israel should be grateful for Washington's role in preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Axios cited a source with direct knowledge of the call who said Netanyahu, who is not directly involved in US-Iran talks, was caught off guard by the pending agreement.

In New York Times interview, US president says he saved Israel from nuclear threat and warns strikes on Tehran could resume if final talks fail