President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and negotiations intensify over curbing Iran's nuclear weapons programme.
Netanyahu is expected to press Trump to pursue a deal that would halt Iran's uranium enrichment and rein in its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations, Netanyahu told reporters before leaving for the U.S.
Iran has stated that it will not limit uranium enrichment unless Western nations scale back sanctions that have severely strained its economy. Netanyahu's visit marks his sixth trip to the U.S. since Trump returned to office—more than any other world leader.
A close ally of Trump, Netanyahu has long argued that Iran represents an existential security threat to Israel, urging the U.S. to curb Tehran's influence in the region. His office indicated, The Prime Minister believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis.
As the U.S. bolsters its military presence in the Middle East, Trump warned Tehran of potential action if it fails to reach a nuclear deal. On Tuesday, he mentioned the possibility of sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has already been dispatched after Trump threatened to strike Iran to prevent a government crackdown on protests that resulted in thousands of casualties.
Israeli officials have emphasized that the country reserves the right to take military action against Iran if an agreement is not forthcoming. Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right government to leverage his relationship with Trump to advocate for a comprehensive U.S.-Iran deal addressing Israeli security concerns.
Analysts believe that the Iranian regime is currently vulnerable, indicating that the U.S. and Israel may be in a position to make more strenuous demands during negotiations, particularly in light of the recent mass protests in Iran.
Despite escalating rhetoric, former U.S. officials suggest that Trump is likely hesitant to pursue a direct military confrontation with Iran, particularly with the election year approaching.
The meeting also coincides with ongoing discussions between Israel and Hamas regarding the next phase in their ceasefire agreement in Gaza, highlighting the complex interplay of security concerns in the region.
