President Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and negotiations intensify over curbing Iran's nuclear weapons programme.
Netanyahu is expected to press Trump to pursue a deal that would halt Iran's uranium enrichment and rein in its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations, Netanyahu told reporters before leaving for the US.
Iran has stated it will not limit uranium enrichment unless Western nations scale back sanctions that have significantly impacted its economy.
Netanyahu's visit on Wednesday marks his sixth trip to the US since Trump's return to office—more than any other world leader. A close Trump ally, Netanyahu has consistently argued that Iran represents an existential security threat to Israel and has been advocating for the US to mitigate Tehran’s influence in the region.
The Prime Minister believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis, Netanyahu's office said in a statement ahead of his trip.
This visit comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East, with Trump warning Tehran of action if it fails to strike a nuclear deal. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was sent to the region last month after Trump threatened to strike Iran to stop a government crackdown during public protests.
Despite heightened tensions in recent weeks, it is reported Trump may wish to avoid a direct military confrontation with Iran ahead of an election year.
The meeting will also touch upon ongoing discussions between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, a lingering concern for both governments.
As this critical meeting approaches, both leaders face pressing questions about securing peace and stability in a highly volatile region.
