WASHINGTON : The visit comes amid renewed U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts following nuclear negotiations held in Oman last Friday. While both sides described the talks as positive, deep divisions remain over the scope of any potential agreement, particularly whether it should extend beyond Iran’s nuclear program to include its missile arsenal and support for regional proxy groups.
Netanyahu, in his seventh meeting with Trump since the president returned to office nearly 13 months ago, is expected to press for a broader framework in U.S.-Iran negotiations. Israeli officials have expressed concern that Washington could pursue a narrowly focused nuclear deal that leaves Iran’s ballistic missile program and its backing of armed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah untouched.
“I will present to the president our perceptions of the principles in the negotiations,” Netanyahu told reporters before departing for Washington.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. In recent media interviews, he stated that a “good deal” would mean “no nuclear weapons, no missiles,” though he did not provide specifics on how such terms would be enforced. He also warned that he would take “something very tough” action if Iran refused to strike an agreement.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he was considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group as part of a major U.S. military buildup near Iran — a move likely to heighten tensions in the region. Tehran has responded to earlier U.S. threats with vows of retaliation, raising fears of a broader conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled ahead of the Oman meeting that talks would need to address Iran’s missile capabilities, its support for proxy forces, and human rights concerns. However, Iran has insisted that discussions remain limited strictly to nuclear issues, reiterating that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Trump and Netanyahu may also discuss potential military action if diplomacy fails. Last June, the United States joined Israel in a 12-day campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, during which Israel reportedly inflicted significant damage on Iran’s air defenses and missile systems.
Israeli officials have since expressed concern about signs that Tehran is attempting to rebuild those capabilities, developments Israel views as a strategic threat.
Though Trump previously threatened military intervention during a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, he ultimately refrained from direct action.
Beyond Iran, Gaza is expected to feature prominently in Wednesday’s discussions. Trump is pushing forward a ceasefire framework he helped broker, built around a 20-point plan aimed at ending the war and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian enclave.
However, progress has stalled. Major gaps remain over key steps, including the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarmament of Hamas.
“We continue to work closely with our ally Israel to implement President Trump’s historic Gaza peace agreement and to strengthen regional security,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said ahead of the meeting.
Trump’s Gaza plan also envisions a pathway toward eventual Palestinian statehood, a prospect strongly opposed by Netanyahu and his far-right coalition government. The Israeli security cabinet recently authorized measures easing land purchases for settlers in the occupied West Bank and granting Israel broader authority in the territory, decisions that have drawn international condemnation.
Trump, however, reiterated his stance against annexation. “I am against annexation,” he told Axios. “We have enough things to think about now.”
Iran’s regional influence has been weakened in recent months following Israeli military operations and setbacks suffered by its proxy groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militias in Iraq. The removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a close Iranian ally, further reduced Tehran’s foothold in the region.
Still, Israel remains wary of its adversaries rebuilding their strength after heavy losses sustained during the multi-front conflict sparked by Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel.
While Trump and Netanyahu have largely maintained strong alignment, with the United States continuing as Israel’s primary arms supplier, Wednesday’s talks could expose differences over strategy, particularly concerning Gaza’s political future and the scope of negotiations with Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visits the White House to advocate for a comprehensive U.S.-Iran deal that addresses not only nuclear issues but also Iran's missile program and support for proxy groups. Despite positive talks in Oman, deep divisions persist. Trump emphasizes preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails.