Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to expand ongoing diplomacy with Iran beyond nuclear issues when the two leaders meet at the White House on Wednesday.
The meeting will be their seventh since Trump returned to office nearly 13 months ago and comes as Washington and Tehran prepare for further negotiations following talks in Oman last week. Both sides described the Oman discussions as positive, with additional rounds expected.
Netanyahu is seeking to influence the next phase of negotiations, pressing for any potential agreement to include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, according to people familiar with the matter.
“I will present to the president our perceptions of the principles in the negotiations,” Netanyahu told reporters before departing for Washington.
Rising Tensions and Military Signals
Trump has warned that the United States would take “something very tough” action if a deal is not reached. He said in media interviews that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the region.
The Pentagon has already positioned a naval flotilla near Iran, and a Reuters analysis of satellite images showed a recent increase in aircraft and military equipment across the Middle East. U.S. forces in Qatar have placed missiles into truck launchers, enabling quicker deployment if needed.
Despite diplomatic engagement, Tehran has ruled out restrictions on its missile stockpile and insists that negotiations remain focused on nuclear issues. Iranian officials have said sanctions relief and the right to uranium enrichment remain central demands.
Israel Wary of Narrow Deal
Israel is concerned Washington could pursue a limited nuclear agreement that leaves Iran’s missile capabilities and regional influence intact. According to Israeli officials, there are signs Tehran is seeking to restore military capacities damaged in previous strikes.
While Trump and Netanyahu have largely aligned in their approach to Iran, differences could surface over other issues, including Gaza and the West Bank. Trump is pushing forward with a ceasefire plan for Gaza, though progress has stalled over key provisions such as Hamas disarmament and phased Israeli troop withdrawals.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet recently approved measures easing land purchases by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, drawing international criticism. Trump, however, reiterated his opposition to annexation, saying: “We have enough things to think about now.”
Diplomacy at a Crossroads
Iran maintains its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. and Israel accuse Tehran of pursuing weapons capabilities in the past. Washington has demanded Iran give up its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, just below weapons-grade levels.
Vice President JD Vance said Trump would determine U.S. “red lines” in the negotiations. The next round of U.S.-Iran talks has yet to be scheduled.
