Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as US-Iran Nuclear Talks Continue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed he will meet with President Donald Trump in Washington next week, with discussions expected to focus heavily on the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. The high-level meeting is scheduled for February 11, according to official statements from Netanyahu's office.
Timing Follows Indirect US-Iran Talks in Oman
The leaders' Washington meeting comes immediately after the launch of indirect talks between Trump administration envoys and Iranian Foreign Minister in Oman. The United States administration has stated these discussions are primarily focused on establishing caps for Tehran's nuclear program, a longstanding concern for both Washington and its Middle Eastern allies.
President Trump commented on the initial round of talks while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday evening, describing them as "very good" and confirming another meeting would occur early next week. "Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We have to see what that deal is but I think Iran looks like they want to make a deal very badly, as they should," Trump stated.
Israel's Stance on Comprehensive Limitations
While Trump indicated that a nuclear-focused agreement "would be acceptable," Israel is advocating for more extensive measures. Netanyahu's office released a statement on Saturday emphasizing that "any negotiations should include placing limitations on the ballistic missiles and a cessation of support for the Iranian axis."
This reference to the "Iranian axis" encompasses multiple regional groups including Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist faction; Lebanon's Hezbollah movement; Houthi rebels in Yemen; and various Shiite militias operating in Iraq. Israel recently concluded a two-year Gaza war against Hamas, currently suspended under a ceasefire agreement.
The meeting appears to have been arranged with relatively short notice, even as Israeli media speculated about Netanyahu potentially visiting Washington later this month for other scheduled events.
Historical Context and Security Concerns
Israel, with American reinforcement, previously conducted bombing campaigns against Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict in June. The Israeli government continues to favor additional actions to prevent its arch-foe from obtaining capabilities that could threaten Israel's existence.
Security concerns remain particularly acute regarding Iran's ballistic missile program. In June, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel, attacks that Israeli defense officials view as a significant threat capable of overwhelming the nation's air defense systems.
The current diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran was initiated after President Trump issued threats against Iranian leadership regarding their violent suppression of domestic protests. Israel perceives this diplomatic opening as an opportunity to push for more comprehensive countermeasures, with some officials even discussing possibilities for regime change in Tehran.
This upcoming Washington meeting between Netanyahu and Trump represents a crucial moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, as both leaders coordinate their approaches toward Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
