Netanyahu Arrives in Washington.. Iran Tops His Talks with Trump

SadaNews - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in the U.S. capital, Washington, where he is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first direct talks since the recent military confrontation with Iran, according to Israeli media reports.

This will be the eighth meeting between Netanyahu and Trump since the latter returned to the White House, and it will represent their first direct meeting since February, prior to the military strikes targeting Iran.

Netanyahu had confirmed before leaving Israel that the Iranian file would be at the top of his agenda in discussions with the U.S. president, noting that both sides would also discuss ways to "protect Israel's security and expand the circle of peace" in the region.

According to Israeli reports, Netanyahu is bringing updated intelligence on the Iranian nuclear program to Washington and intends to discuss several regional issues, including the future of the war in Gaza, Israeli presence in Lebanon and Syria, in addition to his objection to any potential deal to sell "F-35" fighter jets to Turkey.

The visit comes after Israel announced it would allow an international security force into the Gaza Strip as part of the peace plan proposed by Trump, a step that observers considered a sign of renewed coordination between the two sides despite recent disagreements.

Media reports had mentioned tension in the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu over differing positions regarding escalation management with Iran and some regional files. However, both sides seek to coordinate their positions during this meeting, which takes place amidst rapid changes in the Middle East.

The visit also comes at a time when Netanyahu is facing internal political pressures ahead of the Israeli elections scheduled for next October, while Trump continues to push initiatives to reduce tensions in the region, alongside efforts to revive the diplomatic track with Iran and end the war in Gaza.