Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Iran Threats in Washington Meeting

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a 90-minute closed-door meeting in Washington on July 29 to discuss regional security and Iran's nuclear program. The two leaders reaffirmed an ironclad commitment to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. Netanyahu sought military backing for new strikes against Iran and provided intelligence on nuclear progress, though Trump expressed frustration with the pressure, stating that if he wanted to hit Iran, he would do so himself without being pushed into it.

Netanyahu also requested that the U.S. block the sale of F-35 jets and other weapons to Türkiye, a demand Trump dismissed. Further disagreements emerged regarding U.S. requests for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Syria. The leaders also discussed the expansion of the Abraham Accords and a potential trilateral agreement involving the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon.

The meeting took place under extreme security after Shin Bet warned of Iranian assassination attempts against senior Israeli officials, prompting Netanyahu's secret departure from Nevatim Air Force Base. While the White House described the meetings as positive and productive, the diplomatic talks coincided with Iranian aggression. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps targeted a U.S. air base in Jordan and seized three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.