Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran at White House
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House, focusing primarily on the uncertain diplomatic situation regarding Iran’s nuclear negotiations, as well as plans for a future peace commission concerning Gaza.
After the meeting, Trump made a post on Truth Social. He emphasized the importance of ongoing negotiations while remaining open to other approaches. “Aside from my insistence on negotiations with Iran, we haven’t reached a firm agreement yet. If a deal is attainable, I’ve told the Prime Minister it’s a priority. If not, we’ll have to see how things unfold. Last time, Iran opted not to secure a deal and faced the consequences, which didn’t work out well for them,” he noted.
According to Netanyahu’s office, topics such as Iran, Gaza, and broader regional issues were on the table. The Prime Minister reiterated the significance of Israel’s security during these discussions.
In a notable development, Netanyahu officially joined the U.S.-backed peace commission earlier in the day, signing the initiative after a period of hesitation. This brings Israel into collaboration with Western allies, Turkey, and Qatar—countries vigorously criticized in Jerusalem for their roles in Gaza.
Analysts suggest that this move ties closely to Israel’s strategy concerning both Gaza and Iran. Dr. Dan Dikel, from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Diplomacy, explained that Netanyahu’s involvement reflects the necessity for cooperation with the U.S. and shaping post-war resolutions for Gaza. He added, “Netanyahu’s presence at the peace committee is vital, even among opponents like Turkey and Qatar, to support Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at deradicalization and limiting Hamas’s militarization.”
Some Israeli officials caution that the ongoing threat of Iranian ballistic missiles might provoke unilateral military responses against Tehran. Dikel further mentioned that Netanyahu likely anticipates actions from the U.S. and the Iranian populace against the regime soon, while also pursuing the peace committee’s goals in Gaza as part of a reciprocal arrangement.
Blaise Mistal, deputy director at the Jewish Institute for National Security, characterized Israel’s decision as a strategic one influenced by a precarious regional environment and unresolved aspects of the Gaza agreement. He pointed out that the implementation has not met expectations—as evidenced by the extended time taken by Hamas to release hostages—and noted the lack of a stabilizing force on the ground.
Ultimately, Mistal acknowledged that Israel has opted for engagement over isolation. He stated, “Participating in the peace commission, even with its challenges, offers a better chance for Israel to counteract the influence of Turkey and Qatar.” He concluded that the timing is also pertinent because the U.S. has a genuine opportunity to challenge the Iranian regime without instigating further conflict in Gaza.
