Iran US nuclear talks dominated discussions in Washington on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting comes as Washington and Tehran resume negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program amid heightened regional tensions.
Netanyahu said he would urge the United States to adopt a tougher position not only on Iran’s nuclear activities but also on its ballistic missile program. Trump, for his part, signaled he is considering additional military deployments to the Middle East while keeping the door open to a negotiated deal.
The talks unfold against the backdrop of recent confrontation between Israel and Iran, as well as internal unrest inside the Islamic Republic.
Netanyahu’s objectives in Washington
Netanyahu’s visit marks his sixth trip to the United States since Trump returned to office in January 2025. According to statements from his office, the Israeli premier intends to present what he described as “principles for the negotiations” with Tehran.
Israeli officials have emphasized concerns over:
Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal
Tehran’s regional alliances with armed groups
Guarantees that any agreement prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
During Israel’s 12 day war with Iran last June, Tehran launched waves of ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory, hitting both military and civilian areas. Israeli leaders argue that missile capabilities must be included in any future agreement, not only nuclear enrichment limits.
Netanyahu met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ahead of the White House talks. According to a statement posted on the Israeli prime minister’s official account on X, the envoys provided updates on the first round of negotiations held with Iranian representatives in Oman last week.
Trump’s position on the Iran file
Trump has publicly expressed cautious optimism about reaching a deal but warned of consequences if diplomacy fails. In an interview with Axios, he said he was considering deploying a second US aircraft carrier strike group to the region.
“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” Trump said, referencing previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during last year’s conflict between Israel and Iran.
In remarks to Fox Business, Trump stated that any agreement must ensure “no nuclear weapons, no missiles.” He also accused Tehran of past dishonesty in negotiations.
A US official said Trump does not support Israel annexing the occupied West Bank and prefers regional stability, though the White House has not directly criticized recent Israeli measures allowing settlers to purchase land directly from Palestinians.
Tehran’s response and internal pressures
Iran resumed nuclear discussions with the United States in Oman last week but has rejected expanding the talks to cover its missile program or regional alliances.
Ahead of Netanyahu’s visit, Tehran warned against what it described as “destructive influences” on diplomacy.
The diplomatic track coincides with internal unrest in Iran. Last month, nationwide protests erupted over economic conditions and governance. Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 people killed during the unrest, while the US based Human Rights Activists News Agency said 6,984 people were killed and more than 52,000 arrested.
In Tehran, videos circulated on social media showing residents chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the eve of the February 11 anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. AFP said it could not independently verify the footage.
Internet restrictions and economic impact
During the protests, Iranian authorities imposed a sweeping internet shutdown beginning January 8. Access has since partially resumed but remains heavily restricted, according to monitoring group NetBlocks and statements from Iran’s telecommunications minister Sattar Hashemi.
Officials estimate:
Daily losses of nearly 3 million dollars in the digital sector
Broader economic losses of about 35 million dollars per day
Many businesses and freelancers report continued instability in internet access, affecting trade, communication, and online services.
Conclusion:
The outcome of Iran US nuclear talks remains uncertain as Washington balances diplomatic engagement with military pressure. Netanyahu’s visit underscores Israel’s push to widen the scope of negotiations, while Tehran insists on limiting discussions to its nuclear program.
With regional tensions high and domestic pressures mounting inside Iran, the coming rounds of negotiations are likely to shape the security landscape of the Middle East in the months ahead.
