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White House meeting focuses on Iran's nuclear ambitions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to push for a stricter deal curbing Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The talks come as tensions escalate across the Middle East, with the US bolstering its military presence in the region.
Netanyahu seeks tougher terms on Iran
Netanyahu aims to persuade Trump to include restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah in any nuclear agreement. Before departing for Washington, he told reporters he would present Israel's position on the "principles of these negotiations."
Iran has insisted it will not limit uranium enrichment unless Western nations ease sanctions that have crippled its economy. Netanyahu's office stated that any deal must address "limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis."
US ramps up military pressure
The meeting follows a US military buildup in the region, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier last month. Trump hinted on Tuesday that a second carrier strike group might be sent, telling Axios, "We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going."
Trump claimed Iran "wants to make a deal very badly" but warned of potential action if negotiations fail. Israeli officials have reiterated their right to take military action against Iran if no agreement is reached.
Analysts weigh in on Iran's weakened position
Experts suggest Iran's regime is vulnerable after last year's mass protests and a 12-day air campaign by the US and Israel. Mohammed Hafez, a professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, said, "The US and Israel feel they hold all the cards, Iran is on its back foot, and they can make these maximalist demands."
Dan Byman, a Georgetown University professor, noted concerns that Trump may prioritize securing a deal over its specifics. "One worry Israel and other allies have about the US under Trump is that he wants a deal more than he wants a particular outcome," he said.
Ceasefire talks and regional dynamics
The White House meeting coincides with stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the next phase of their Gaza ceasefire. A White House spokesperson called Trump "Israel's best friend in history," emphasizing ongoing collaboration to implement the Gaza peace agreement and strengthen regional security.
The October 2023 ceasefire ended a two-year conflict triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 71,000 deaths, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire.
Election-year calculations
Former US officials suggest Trump may seek to avoid a direct military conflict with Iran ahead of the 2026 election. James Jeffrey, a former US ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, said, "I don't think Trump wants a major military confrontation with Iran going into an election year. And I think the Iranians know that."
