- Netanyahu remains skeptical about a nuclear agreement with Iran, fearing it could stabilize Tehran without addressing broader threats.
- The prime minister met with President Trump in Washington to coordinate responses if diplomacy fails, emphasizing Israel's security requirements.
- Both Israeli and U.S. officials doubt a deal will materialize, with Netanyahu pushing for expanded negotiations to include Iran's missile program.
Netanyahu traveled to Washington on Tuesday for an emergency meeting with President Trump, reflecting deep concerns over ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations in Oman. During their three-hour discussion on Wednesday, the leaders focused on coordinated responses should diplomacy fail, according to people familiar with the matter. Trump publicly stated his preference for a negotiated settlement, saying, "I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be." However, Netanyahu's office emphasized that the prime minister "stressed the security requirements of the State of Israel concerning the negotiations with Iran."
The renewed talks represent the first substantive discussions since June 2025, following Israel's military operation against Iran, known as the "12-Day War." Netanyahu's core concern is that a narrow nuclear agreement addressing only uranium enrichment would leave Iran's ballistic missile program, proxy networks, and broader strategic capabilities intact. He is pushing for expanded negotiations to include missiles—a threat to both Israel and U.S. regional forces. Efforts to broaden the scope have hit a snag, as Tehran has repeatedly asserted it will not accept terms beyond nuclear issues.
Without a deal, the situation could escalate rapidly; Trump mentioned potentially deploying an additional aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf if negotiations fail. Netanyahu believes Iran is currently weakened economically and strategically, presenting a rare opportunity for decisive action rather than short-term stabilization. He seeks to preserve Israel's freedom of action regardless of whether a deal emerges. Both Israel's political and security establishments do not expect a deal to materialize, and the U.S. side shares this skepticism, with Washington doubtful even a nuclear-focused agreement can be reached.
Netanyahu's strategy carries domestic and international risks. Some segments of Trump's political base remain wary of deeper Middle Eastern military entanglement, and the prime minister's office has not responded to requests for further comment on the meeting's specifics. As of Thursday, market reactions in the region have been muted, but analysts warn that any breakdown in talks could trigger volatility in energy and defense sectors. The outcome hinges on whether diplomatic efforts can bridge gaps before key deadlines, though sources indicate no immediate breakthroughs are anticipated.