WASHINGTON (Monitoring Desk) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to press US President Donald Trump to adopt a tougher stance on Iran’s missile programme during high-level talks at the White House on Wednesday, as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
The hastily arranged meeting, scheduled for 11am local time (1600 GMT), comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Netanyahu, making his sixth visit to the United States since Trump returned to office, is expected to urge the US president to harden his position not only on Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also on its ballistic missile capabilities.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump indicated he was considering deploying a second US aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran.
“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” Trump told Axios, adding that a US “armada” was already heading to the region and another could follow.
Trump, who ordered US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran last June, said any agreement would require “no nuclear weapons, no missiles.” He claimed Iranian leaders wanted a deal but stressed it must be “a good deal.”
Iran resumed indirect talks with the United States last week in Oman but warned of “destructive influences” on diplomacy ahead of Netanyahu’s Washington visit.
Tehran has so far rejected expanding negotiations beyond its nuclear programme, while Washington is seeking to address Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal as well.
Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu said discussions would focus “first and foremost” on the Iran negotiations, while also covering Gaza and broader regional security issues.
“I will present to the president our views regarding the principles for the negotiations,” Netanyahu said in a video statement. His office confirmed he would highlight concerns over Iran’s missile capabilities.
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply last year during a 12-day conflict in which Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and other projectiles at Israeli territory, striking military targets.
The White House meeting also comes amid international criticism over Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank, where Israel’s security cabinet recently approved steps allowing settlers to purchase land directly from Palestinian owners.
A US official said Trump does not support annexation of the West Bank and favors regional stability but stopped short of directly criticizing Israel’s actions.
The outcome of the meeting could shape the future direction of US-Iran nuclear negotiations and broader Middle East security dynamics.