Trump and Netanyahu hold private Oval Office meeting focused on Iran war, easing recent tensions
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private 90-minute meeting at the White House on Tuesday focused largely on the ongoing Iran conflict, with both sides describing the discussions as productive despite recent tensions between the two leaders.
The meeting came after weeks of uncertainty about the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu, amid disagreements over the war's direction and pace. However, officials from both governments emphasized that the two leaders remain aligned on their shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu’s office said the discussions showed there was no major divide between the United States and Israel over Iran policy. Israeli officials pushed back on claims that Netanyahu has pressured Trump into taking a specific approach, saying both leaders are focused on stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions and are considering multiple ways to achieve that goal.
The talks also included the possibility of Saudi Arabia establishing diplomatic relations with Israel as part of a broader agreement involving a U.S.-backed nuclear deal for Riyadh.
Other regional issues were discussed, though Israeli officials said the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which Israel opposes, was not raised. Trump also did not call for Israel to withdraw forces from areas where they are currently stationed, according to Israeli officials.
The White House described the meeting as positive and productive. Unlike previous Oval Office meetings between the two leaders, reporters were not allowed inside, and Netanyahu's office released images from the meeting afterward.
Following the talks, Netanyahu said the meeting was among the best conversations he has had with Trump, adding that both leaders share the objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The meeting followed months of shifting relations between Trump and Netanyahu. The two initially worked closely together during the launch of the Iran military operation earlier this year, but tensions increased as the conflict continued longer than Trump had expected.
Before Netanyahu arrived at the White House, Trump questioned claims that Israel had uncovered a significant nuclear threat at Iran’s Fordow facility, saying he did not need Netanyahu to convince him of the situation.
Despite previous disagreements and public criticism, Tuesday’s meeting appeared aimed at showing unity between the longtime allies as they navigate the ongoing conflict with Iran and broader Middle East security issues.
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