President Donald Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Their discussions centered on broadening US engagement with Iran. Netanyahu sought to advocate for restrictions not only on Tehran’s nuclear activities but also on its missile capabilities and wider regional security concerns.
This marks Netanyahu’s seventh meeting with Trump since the president returned to office nearly 13 months ago. He intends to influence the next round of US-Iran negotiations after nuclear talks in Oman last Friday. Meanwhile, Trump warned that the US might take military action if Iran fails to reach a deal. Tehran, in turn, vowed retaliation, raising fears of wider conflict.
Trump emphasized in interviews that a strong agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons or missiles. He also suggested he might deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group near Iran as part of a major US military buildup.
Israel Pushes for Broader Security Guarantees
Israeli officials worry that the US may settle for a limited nuclear deal. They want guarantees that Iran will stop supporting proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and curb its ballistic missile program. “I will present to the president our perceptions of the principles in the negotiations,” Netanyahu told reporters before his departure.
Meanwhile, Iran insists its missile program is non-negotiable. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, reiterated, “The Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable.” The country has also said it will discuss nuclear curbs only in exchange for lifting sanctions.
Gaza and Regional Stability on the Agenda
Trump and Netanyahu also discussed Gaza. The president aims to revive his ceasefire plan and push his 20-point reconstruction strategy for the Palestinian enclave. However, progress has stalled over key issues, including Hamas disarmament and phased Israeli troop withdrawals.
The visit, initially scheduled for February 18, was moved up amid renewed US engagement with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations must cover Iran’s missiles, proxies, and human rights record. Trump described including missile limitations as a “no-brainer,” though he remains cautious about overextending negotiations.
Israel Wary of Iran’s Rebuilding Efforts
Israel remains wary of Tehran rebuilding its regional influence following the June 2023 airstrikes and the setbacks faced by its allied groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s security cabinet has approved steps to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank, drawing international criticism. Trump, however, reaffirmed his opposition to annexation, saying, “We have enough things to think about now.”
As the two leaders addressed nuclear diplomacy, regional security, and the situation in Gaza, their meeting underscored the complex balance between military pressure, diplomatic engagement, and broader US-Israel cooperation in the Middle East.
