In a remarkable and closed-door meeting at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump engaged in a three-hour discussion, devoid of media presence. Reports indicate that Netanyahu entered through a back door, diverging from his usual protocol, and proceeded directly to the meeting room where Trump did not greet him at the entrance.Israeli media outlets reported that during this significant meeting, Netanyahu conveyed to Trump that any favorable agreement with Iran should be timeless, avoiding expiration clauses similar to those in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump, after the meeting, expressed on his social platform that while no definitive outcomes were achieved, he emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations with Iran to explore potential agreements.Trump stated, ‘The last time Iran decided it was better not to reach an agreement, they faced severe consequences. I hope this time they act more rationally and responsibly.’ He also highlighted the remarkable progress in Gaza and the broader region, asserting that peace is indeed attainable in the Middle East.Before his trip to the U.S., Netanyahu outlined his intentions to propose principles for negotiating with Iran, which he claimed would benefit not only Israel but also any party seeking security. However, specifics regarding these principles remain undisclosed.Israeli sources indicated that Netanyahu’s primary goal in Washington was to discuss the ongoing negotiations with Trump. Reports suggest he aims to secure guarantees on limiting missile ranges and the removal of highly enriched uranium during discussions with Iran.Furthermore, CNN reported that Netanyahu seeks to cultivate skepticism regarding the outcomes of the U.S.-Iran negotiations, potentially seeking a green light for independent military action against Iran, regardless of any agreements reached.In the upcoming weekend Netanyahu plans to discuss possible military options against Iran with Trump as Tel Aviv prepares for various scenarios in case the U.S.-Iran negotiations falter. An Israeli source expressed doubt about the success of the newly formed negotiations but emphasized the importance of ensuring that Israel’s interests are safeguarded and that its military autonomy remains intact under any potential agreement.
