In a meeting rich with symbolism and political messaging, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on Monday, July 7, signaling a potential shift in tone regarding long-standing tensions in the Middle East.

Standing alongside Netanyahu, President Trump expressed hope that the conflict between Israel and Iran has come to an end. He did not rule out the possibility of lifting U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic in the future — a striking statement that could mark a pivot in American foreign policy.

Referring to a recent U.S. strike on Iran, Trump compared the military action to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II, underscoring its gravity. At the same time, he revealed that Washington is planning talks with Tehran over its nuclear program.

“I hope we won’t have to carry out further strikes in Iran,” Trump stated, adding that his administration is open to de-escalation and eventual normalization — under the right conditions. He pointed to the recent lifting of sanctions on Syria as a precedent and suggested that a similar path could be envisioned for Iran.

“I’d rather see a country rebuilding than chanting ‘Death to America,’ ‘Death to Israel,’ as they have in the past,” Trump said.

From the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu avoided directly commenting on the possibility of regime change in Iran, saying that such a decision rests with the Iranian people — whom he has previously urged to stand up against what he described as a “tyrannical regime.”

In a move heavy with political and diplomatic weight, Netanyahu presented President Trump with a letter formally nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Israeli leader praised Trump’s role in fostering peace across the Middle East, citing recent normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

“While we speak, he is restoring peace in one country after another, in one region after another,” Netanyahu told reporters, referencing the contents of his letter to the Nobel committee.

He also indicated that Israel, in collaboration with the U.S., is seeking countries willing to invest in a better future for Palestinians in Gaza. However, he emphasized that security will always remain under Israeli control.

“We’re ready to make peace with our Palestinian neighbors — those who do not seek our destruction,” Netanyahu stated.