Netanyahu to Discuss Military Options with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet with US President Donald Trump this week to discuss potential military strategies against Iran. This meeting comes as Israel prepares for possible outcomes if US-Iran negotiations fail, according to two sources in Israel.
Skepticism Surrounds US-Iran Talks
One source indicated that Israel remains doubtful about the success of the ongoing talks between the US and Iran. However, Israel is keen on protecting its interests and ensuring it retains the capability for military action regardless of any potential agreement.
Presentation of Intelligence on Iran
Reports suggest that Netanyahu plans to present Trump with new intelligence regarding Iran’s military capabilities during their upcoming discussion.
Concerns Over Iran’s Missile Development
Israel is particularly concerned about Iran’s advancements in reinstating its ballistic missile stockpile and capabilities to pre-war levels. One assessment estimates that without intervention, Iran could soon have between 1,800 and 2,000 ballistic missiles ready.
Netanyahu Highlights Iran as a Priority Issue
Before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu emphasized that addressing Iran will be the primary focus of his discussions with Trump. This will mark their seventh meeting since Trump began his second term.
Israel’s Objectives in US-Iran Negotiations
Israel is advocating for any agreement with Iran to ensure the cessation of uranium enrichment, limits on ballistic missile programs, and an end to Iran’s support for regional proxies. Iran, on the other hand, insists that its discussions will be limited to nuclear issues, a stance recently acknowledged by Trump.
Netanyahu’s Opposition to Past Agreements
Netanyahu criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it allowed Iran to maintain significant military capabilities and lifted uranium enrichment limits after 15 years. His opposition to a potential similar deal could pose challenges if Trump decides to pursue such an agreement, especially with regards to uranium enrichment’s potential for weaponization.
