US President Donald Trump held a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday. During their discussion, Trump emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations with Iran as the United States seeks to establish a nuclear agreement with Tehran.
Netanyahu’s visit, which lasted nearly three hours, was conducted away from the eyes of the press, and neither leader took questions afterward. Following the meeting, Trump shared his thoughts on social media, describing the meeting as “a very good meeting” and highlighting that while “nothing definitive reached,” he insisted on ongoing negotiations with Iran.
“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference,” Trump stated. “If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”
He also reflected on previous negotiations, noting, “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal” and subsequently faced US air strikes. Trump expressed hope that this time, Iran would act in a more reasonable and responsible manner.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the Prime Minister discussed the Iran negotiations alongside developments in Gaza and the broader region. Both leaders agreed to maintain their close cooperation and relationship.
Netanyahu seeks broader terms in Iran discussions
This meeting marks Netanyahu’s sixth visit to Washington since Trump took office for his second term. The backdrop for their discussions includes the cautious optimism expressed by both the US and Iran after recent indirect negotiations in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Before the meeting, Netanyahu’s office indicated that the Prime Minister desired to broaden the scope of US-Iran talks to include limitations on Tehran’s ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. “I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations — the essential principles which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu remarked prior to his departure from Israel.
Uncertain influence on US-Iran dynamics
However, the extent of Netanyahu’s influence over Trump’s Iran strategy remains unclear. Initially, Trump had threatened military action in response to Iran’s severe crackdown on protests stemming from economic distress within the country. Recently, he has shifted to a strategy of pressure aimed at securing a deal on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The situation is further complicated by Iran’s recent conflict with Israel, which included significant air strikes resulting in considerable destruction. Trump has claimed that US strikes have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the actual extent of the damage is uncertain. Recent satellite imagery has shown increased activity near Iranian nuclear facilities, raising concerns about possible efforts to assess or salvage their nuclear program.
Israel has consistently called for an end to Iran’s uranium enrichment and a reduction of its ballistic missile capabilities, as well as severing ties with regional militant groups. Iran has firmly rejected these demands, claiming it will only agree to limited nuclear program constraints in exchange for sanctions relief.
In response to rising tensions, Washington has bolstered its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and air defense assets. Neighboring Arab and Islamic countries, including Turkey and Qatar, have urged both nations to exercise restraint, cautioning that any military engagement could destabilize an already tense region grappling with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Prior to the recent conflict with Israel, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60% purity, a level only a short technical step from weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has indicated that Iran was the only country enriching uranium to this level without possessing a nuclear weapon. Furthermore, Iran has declined several IAEA requests to inspect sites impacted by the June airstrikes and has implemented restrictions on IAEA inspections since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.