Netanyahu Meets Trump to focus on Iran nuclear program and ballistic missiles

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Washington on Wednesday night ahead of a diplomatic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump that is expected to center on Iran.

The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Washington time (6:00 p.m. Israel time) and is currently defined as closed to the media.

Shortly after landing, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Israel time, Netanyahu arrived at Blair House, the U.S. president’s official guest residence. About an hour later, he met with Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to Israeli sources, the envoys briefed the prime minister on the first round of talks they held with Iranian representatives last Friday, as well as on broader regional developments.

Israeli Intelligence Assessment: Growing Missile Threat

Israeli officials say Netanyahu is expected to present Trump with updated intelligence assessments regarding the Iranian nuclear program and Tehran’s expanding ballistic missile arsenal.

According to Israeli estimates, Iran could possess up to 2,000 ballistic missiles within weeks to months — a capability Jerusalem views as a significant regional threat.

In an interview with Fox Business Network on Tuesday, Trump addressed the possibility of a renewed agreement with Iran. For the first time in recent days, he explicitly included ballistic missiles — in addition to nuclear weapons — as part of his conditions.

“I think they want to make a deal. They would be foolish not to,” Trump said, adding that Iran “hasn’t talked to anyone else, but it’s talking to me.” He emphasized that any agreement must meet strict criteria: “It has to be a good agreement. No nuclear weapons, no missiles and all the different things that you want.”

Until now, most public statements from the administration had focused primarily on the nuclear file.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined what he called “the principles for a good agreement,” including halting Iran’s nuclear program, addressing ballistic missiles, confronting Tehran’s treatment of domestic protesters, and cutting off funding to regional proxy groups.

Vice President J.D. Vance has recently focused mainly on nuclear issues, though Trump’s latest remarks suggest a broader negotiating framework.

Next Round of Talks Unclear

It remains unclear when the next round of U.S.-Iran talks will take place in Oman. Meanwhile, senior Iranian official Ali Larijani is visiting Gulf capitals, including Muscat and Doha, in what Tehran has described as continued diplomatic engagement surrounding the negotiations.

Beyond Iran, the Netanyahu-Trump meeting is expected to address the ongoing fighting in Gaza and the confrontation with Hamas.

According to political sources, Netanyahu is seeking clarity regarding the implementation of understandings under which Israel would be permitted to resume military action if Hamas refuses to disarm. A similar request is reportedly expected regarding the Iranian arena — specifically concerning Israel’s freedom of action should developments be perceived as posing an immediate threat.

Additional Diplomatic Events Planned

Next week, Washington is expected to host the inaugural ceremonial meeting of the “Peace Council” at the Trump Center for Peace. Netanyahu is also scheduled to attend the upcoming AIPAC conference.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether he will participate in additional events during the visit or whether a subsequent trip to the United States, reportedly under consideration, will proceed as planned.

photo: Government Press Office