Leaders reaffirm opposition to Iranian nuclear weapons as Saudi normalisation remains on agenda
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday for discussions focused on Iran, regional security and expanding the Abraham Accords, according to US and Israeli officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting lasted about 90 minutes and described the talks as positive. Netanyahu’s delegation included Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and several senior advisers, while senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and special envoy Steve Witkoff, also participated.
A source familiar with the meeting told The Jerusalem Post that both leaders reaffirmed their position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, whether through diplomacy or other means.
Iran and regional diplomacy dominate talks
Ahead of the meeting, Trump dismissed suggestions that he required additional Israeli intelligence regarding Iran’s fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear-related site, saying he was already fully informed.
The leaders also discussed expanding the Abraham Accords, the US-backed agreements that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states. Trump has continued to encourage Saudi Arabia to join the framework, although Riyadh has maintained that normalisation with Israel depends on progress towards establishing a Palestinian state.
Officials did not announce any new agreements following the meeting.
Ukraine also features in Washington agenda
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump separately met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
According to Ukrainian officials, Zelensky prioritised discussions on strengthening air defence capabilities, expanding strategic cooperation and advancing defence production, including Patriot interceptor technology and drone collaboration.
The meetings took place as Washington continues diplomatic efforts related to both the conflict involving Iran and the war in Ukraine.
Trump has recently said he paused further US strikes on Iran to allow diplomacy an opportunity, while Ukrainian officials continue seeking additional military support as fighting with Russia persists.
Both Netanyahu and Zelensky were also in Washington to attend a memorial service honouring the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime advocate of strong US support for both Israel and Ukraine.
