Trump says Netanyahu 'knows who the boss is', claims Israeli PM requested for White House meeting

US President Donald Trump has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House, with both leaders expected to meet in the coming weeks despite reports of differences over Iran and the wider Middle East conflict.

Speaking to Axios in a phone interview on Saturday, Trump said Netanyahu had asked for a meeting at the White House, which could take place as early as next week after his return from the NATO summit.

"We get along very good. [Netanyahu] knows who the boss is," Trump said, referring to himself.

If the meeting takes place, it will be the first between the two leaders since their February meeting at the White House, during which Netanyahu reportedly presented plans for a joint military campaign against Iran.

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However, an Israeli official told Axios that next week may be difficult because of Trump's travel schedule, including his participation in the July 7-8 NATO summit in Turkey. The official said the meeting could instead take place the following week.

Netanyahu confirms leaders agreed to meet

Netanyahu's office confirmed that the Israeli Prime Minister spoke with Trump on Friday to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of US Independence.

According to the statement, Netanyahu praised the close relationship between Israel and the United States, calling the US "a guarantor of global freedom".

The Prime Minister's Office added that both leaders agreed to meet soon in the United States to discuss regional developments.

Report points to tensions over regional policy

The proposed meeting comes amid reports of growing differences between Trump and Netanyahu over the handling of the war and broader Middle East policy.

According to Axios, several of Trump's advisers have become increasingly critical of Netanyahu in recent months. A US official quoted by the publication said many close to Trump believed the Israeli leader had been "wrong about everything".

The report also claimed Trump criticised Netanyahu during a phone call last month over Israel's military actions in Lebanon, reportedly calling him "crazy" and accusing him of being ungrateful.

Despite reported disagreements, Trump last month signed a memorandum extending the ceasefire with Iran while pursuing renewed nuclear negotiations. Axios also reported that he urged Netanyahu to scale back military operations in Lebanon and work towards an agreement involving an initial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Trump comments on Iran negotiations

Trump also said he was monitoring developments in Iran and claimed Tehran was ready to resume nuclear negotiations with Washington after the conclusion of funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

"They are begging to make a deal," Trump said, adding that talks had been paused until after the funeral.

Commenting on the funeral, Trump said he was surprised by the number of mourners in attendance.

"I thought people hated Khamenei. Maybe it's fake tears," he said.