Trump-Netanyahu talks: 4 key issues to watch from Iran nukes to Middle East security | Today’s news
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday (July 28th), with Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran’s military capabilities and Middle East security expected to dominate discussions.
Netanyahu said Iran would be a key point in his talks with Trump as the two leaders consider diplomatic efforts and the possibility of renewed military action.
“Tomorrow I will fly to Washington to meet with President Trump at his invitation… I will also discuss all outstanding issues with President Trump, including the situation in Iran,” Netanyahu said before departing.
Iran’s nuclear program at the center of talks
Netanyahu is expected to press Trump to closely monitor Iran’s nuclear activities, warning that Tehran may try to rebuild its capabilities after recent US-Israeli strikes.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said that US and Israeli intelligence agencies are working closely together on Iran.
“Our and your intelligence services work so closely that it does not mean that I will present new information,” Netanyahu said.
Instead, he said he wanted to hear Trump’s strategy for dealing with Iran.
“I think it’s good to have the opportunity to sit down with our good friend President Trump and hear what he has in mind, because I think in many ways it’s his decision,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be stopped “with or without a deal”, signaling that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.
Diplomacy vs Military Action
The meeting comes as Washington and Jerusalem evaluate next steps after their military campaign against Iran.
Netanyahu said he supports Trump’s efforts to pressure Tehran through diplomacy if it can prevent a return to intense fighting.
“I fully support Trump’s efforts to weaken Iran and urge it to end its nuclear program,” Netanyahu said.
“If he can do it without going back into intense military combat, that’s fine. Why not?” he added.
However, Netanyahu warned that any future Iranian attack on Israel would provoke a strong response.
“If Iran attacks Israel, either directly or by proxy, whether with ballistic missiles, drones or killer drones, it will make a terrible mistake,” he said.
“Israel’s response will be very, very strong.”
Iran’s ability to restore nuclear capabilities
Netanyahu said previous US-Israel strikes had delayed Iran’s nuclear program by several years, but warned that Tehran could try to rebuild its capabilities.
“We pushed it back, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to restore it,” Netanyahu said.
“And we have to be constantly on our guard to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
The Israeli leader is expected to seek continued US support for intelligence cooperation and pressure on Tehran during the meeting with Trump.
Hezbollah and Regional Security
In addition to Iran’s nuclear program, the leaders are likely to discuss Iranian-backed groups operating throughout the region, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Iran-backed Hezbollah opened a front against Israel after the conflict began, prompting Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.
The US has since supported direct talks between Lebanon and Israel aimed at reducing tensions and addressing Hezbollah’s armed presence.
Read also | Zelenskyy will meet with Trump in the US next week to renew efforts at negotiations
Netanyahu-Trump previous meeting in Washington in February
The meeting will be the first major conversation between Netanyahu and Trump since their previous meeting in Washington in February, shortly before the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran.
The campaign ended with the deaths of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump and Netanyahu are now expected to discuss whether to pursue a diplomatic route with Tehran or prepare for a possible renewed military confrontation.
Lindsey Graham Memorial Service
During his visit to Washington, Netanyahu will also attend a memorial service for the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he described as a close friend and strong supporter of Israel.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu said.
Read also | US-Iran War: Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Open To Pursuing Nuclear Weapons?
