Washington – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the evolving dynamics between the United States and Iran, and to press for a more assertive U.S. Policy toward Tehran. The meeting comes as indirect negotiations between the two countries, facilitated by Oman, are underway, but with concerns from Israel that the U.S. Focus remains too narrowly fixed on Iran’s nuclear program.
The initial signals from the White House regarding potential punitive action against the Iranian regime, following its suppression of internal protests, have seemingly shifted towards a more concentrated effort to address the nuclear issue. This recalibration is prompting Netanyahu to seek assurances from Trump that broader concerns regarding Iran’s regional activities and missile capabilities will not be sidelined.
Israel, with U.S. Backing, conducted strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment facilities and related assets in June. Netanyahu’s government advocates for further measures to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, the Israeli perspective extends beyond the nuclear file, encompassing a desire for decisive action against Iran’s long-range conventional weaponry and its network of regional proxies.
“The Prime Minister believes that any negotiation should include the imposition of limitations on ballistic missiles and the cessation of support for the Iranian axis,” stated Netanyahu’s office in a release on Saturday announcing the meeting with Trump. This statement underscores Israel’s intention to broaden the scope of any potential agreement with Iran.
Following a meeting between U.S. Envoys and the Iranian Foreign Minister in Oman on Friday, Trump indicated to reporters that an agreement focused solely on nuclear matters would be “acceptable.” This position, while signaling a willingness to engage, appears to fall short of Netanyahu’s broader demands.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit appears somewhat rushed, with his office providing limited details as of Sunday. This suggests a degree of urgency in addressing concerns about the direction of U.S. Policy. Trump is scheduled to convene his “Peace Team” on to discuss funding for post-war Gaza, and it remains unclear whether Netanyahu will return to Washington for that event.
Trump described the initial round of indirect talks with Iran as “very good” and indicated that another meeting is planned in the coming days. “Iran is very much wanting to make a deal. We have to see what that deal is, but I think Iran is looking to make a deal very much, as they should be,” he said.
Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles against Israel in June, highlighting the threat posed by its conventional missile arsenal. Israel views these long-range capabilities as a significant challenge to its defenses. Israel is concerned about the continued operational capacity of Iran’s regional allies, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The shift in Israeli focus towards Iran’s missile capabilities, rather than solely its nuclear program, reflects a growing assessment of the immediate threat posed by conventional weapons. This perspective is likely to be central to Netanyahu’s discussions with Trump. The ability of Iran to project force through its proxies and its own missile arsenal is seen as a more pressing and readily achievable danger than the development of a nuclear weapon, which remains further off, though still a significant long-term concern.
The outcome of the Wednesday meeting will be closely watched by regional actors and international observers. A failure to address Israel’s broader security concerns could strain the U.S.-Israel relationship and potentially embolden Iran to continue its destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Conversely, a more comprehensive approach that incorporates limitations on Iran’s missile program and support for regional proxies could offer a pathway towards a more stable and secure regional environment, though achieving such an outcome will require significant diplomatic effort and a willingness from all parties to compromise.
The indirect negotiations currently underway represent a delicate balancing act for the United States. While a renewed nuclear agreement could prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, it must also address the legitimate security concerns of Israel and other regional partners. The challenge for the Trump administration will be to forge a path forward that both limits Iran’s nuclear ambitions and curbs its destabilizing regional behavior.
