Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, as high-stakes negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program reach a critical juncture, with both leaders under pressure to shape the outcome.
Netanyahu’s visit, his sixth to the US since Trump’s return to office, comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. He is expected to press Trump to pursue a comprehensive deal that not only halts Iran’s uranium enrichment but also reins in its ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The Israeli prime minister has long argued that Iran poses an existential threat to Israel, and his government is concerned that a rushed agreement might leave key security issues unaddressed.
In preparation for the meeting, Netanyahu plans to present fresh intelligence on Iran’s military capabilities, including new long-range ballistic missiles. This move underscores Israel’s strategy to convince the US to adopt a harder line in the talks. However, Netanyahu faces a delicate balancing act, as pushing too aggressively could strain his relationship with Trump or alienate key US advisors like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who are reportedly open to a narrower deal focused solely on nuclear limits.
Iran has proactively warned the US not to allow Israeli interference to derail the negotiations. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that Washington “must remain vigilant regarding Israel’s destructive role,” emphasizing that the talks should proceed independently. Iran insists on maintaining its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and has shown limited willingness to dilute its stockpile, but it demands relief from sanctions that have crippled its economy.
The US under Trump has increased its military posture in the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier deployed last month and Trump hinting at sending a second strike group. This show of force is intended to pressure Iran into concessions, but Trump has also expressed a desire for a diplomatic solution, saying Iran “wants to make a deal very badly.” Analysts suggest that with an election year approaching, Trump may wish to avoid a major military confrontation.
Background factors complicate the situation. Trump withdrew from the Obama-era nuclear deal in his first term and restarted talks last year. Meanwhile, Israel is engaged in fragile ceasefire negotiations with Hamas in Gaza, and Netanyahu’s domestic policies, such as measures in the West Bank, have drawn international criticism. These issues add layers to the US-Israel dynamic and could influence the discussions on Iran.
Experts note that Iran’s regime is vulnerable following mass protests and a previous air campaign, which might embolden the US and Israel to make maximalist demands. However, internal pressures in Iran, including arrests of reformist leaders, could hinder its negotiating flexibility. The outcome of the Netanyahu-Trump meeting could set the tone for whether a deal is reached or tensions escalate further.
Looking ahead, the talks are set to continue in Oman, with mediators working to bridge gaps. If no agreement is reached, Israel reserves the right to take military action against Iran, raising the specter of broader conflict. The international community is closely watching, as the decisions made in Washington this week could have profound implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.
