US President Donald Trump said he insisted on continuing talks with Iran during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Trump described diplomacy as his preferred option if a new agreement with Tehran can be reached, while Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s security needs must be included in any negotiations.
The meeting lasted nearly three hours and was held behind closed doors. It marked the seventh meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
Trump: A Deal with Iran Is My Preferred Option
Posting on his Truth Social platform after the meeting, Trump said no final decision had been made but stressed that he pushed for continuing talks with Iran to determine whether an agreement is possible.
He said he told Netanyahu that reaching a deal would be his preferred choice if it can be achieved. If not, he added, “we will see what the result will be.”
Trump referred to Iran’s previous refusal to finalize an agreement, pointing to a 12-day conflict that began with Israeli strikes and included US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
In a recent interview with Fox Business, Trump said he favors a “good deal” that ensures Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon or missile capabilities.
Netanyahu Stresses Israeli Security Requirements
Netanyahu said Israel’s security requirements must form part of any US Iran negotiations.
In a statement, his office said both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and communication.
Ahead of his visit, Netanyahu had said that any agreement should address Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for armed groups in the region.
Israeli officials consider Iran’s ballistic missiles a direct threat, given the distance of less than 2,000 kilometers between the two countries. They have warned that Iran could launch large waves of missiles capable of overwhelming Israel’s air defense systems in a prolonged conflict.
Diverging Positions Between Washington and Tehran
Following a first round of discussions held on February 6 in Oman, both Washington and Tehran expressed willingness to continue dialogue despite significant differences.
Iran maintains that talks with Iran should focus solely on its nuclear program and has reiterated that it will not fully abandon uranium enrichment. Iranian officials have also warned that US bases in the region would be targeted in the event of an attack.
The United States, however, seeks to broaden the scope of negotiations to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and its backing of armed groups in the Middle East.
Broader Regional Context
The Trump Netanyahu meeting also took place amid growing international reactions to Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank. A US administration official recently reiterated Trump’s opposition to Israel annexing the West Bank.
Netanyahu’s office also confirmed Israel’s participation in a newly formed “Peace Council” chaired by Trump. Analysts suggest the visit may have been aimed at influencing US policy ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Arab leaders.
Conclusion:
Trump’s renewed emphasis on continuing talks with Iran highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional tensions. Whether negotiations lead to a new agreement or further escalation remains uncertain.
