Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump will meet on Wednesday in Washington to discuss negotiations with Iran.
The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement early Saturday morning on social media.
The discussions come amid renewed indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian diplomats in Muscat and Oman, as well as heightened tensions over Iran’s ballistic missile development, support for regional militant groups and the country’s brutal suppression of domestic protests.
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Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister believes any agreement must include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missiles and an end to support for what Israel calls the “Iranian axis” of militias across the Middle East.
The White House this week issued a fact sheet outlining Trump’s approach to confronting the perceived threat from Iran, including an executive order reaffirming a national emergency and creating a system of tariffs on countries that trade with Tehran. The administration said Iran remains a state sponsor of terrorism whose nuclear ambitions, missile development and regional actions pose a continuing threat to U.S. security and that of its allies.
U.S. officials repeatedly said they want comprehensive negotiations that address nuclear enrichment, long-range missiles and Tehran’s backing for proxy forces, though Iran has insisted talks focus first on its nuclear program.
Trump has also deployed a substantial naval presence to the region and warned of “strong consequences” if Iran does not negotiate in good faith, reflecting sustained pressure from the U.S. administration.
On Saturday, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff shared pictures on X as he, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Admiral, Brad Cooper, met with troops aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
“We thanked the sailors and Marines, observed live flight operations, and spoke with the pilot who downed an Iranian drone that approached the carrier without clear intent,” Witkoff said. “Proud to stand with the men and women who defend our interests, deter our adversaries, and show the world what American readiness and resolve look like, on watch every day.”
New tensions unfolded this week when Iran said it seized two foreign oil tankers near its territorial waters, accusing them of fuel smuggling. Crews were detained and referred to judicial authorities.
Iranian officials framed the move as a law enforcement operation, though details remain limited.
