In a significant development, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is initiating direct, high-level discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program. This pivotal announcement was made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House.
Expressing optimism, President Trump stated, “I’m hopeful that we can reach a deal with Iran.” However, he also emphasized that should these negotiations fail, Iran would face “great danger.” His words serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in these talks.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, for his part, conveyed that the U.S. and Israel are collaborating on a new initiative aimed at securing the release of hostages from Gaza, particularly in light of the recent collapse of the ceasefire with Hamas, an ally of Iran. “We’re working on another deal that we hope will succeed, and we’re committed to getting all the hostages out,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Alongside this announcement, it is important to note that Benjamin Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to appeal personally for relief from U.S. tariffs that have had significant global repercussions.
The president’s disclosure followed Iran’s dismissal of any possibility of direct negotiations, labeling the prospect as “pointless.” This comes after Trump withdrew from the previous nuclear agreement in 2018 during his first term, raising concerns that Israel may consider military action against Iran if an agreement is not achieved. Trump issued a cautionary note to Iran: “If the talks aren’t successful, I think Iran’s going to be in great danger,” reiterating his staunch opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities.
Hours before the president’s announcement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, indicated that Iran was waiting for a response to its proposal for indirect negotiations, describing the offer as “generous and responsible.” However, shortly after Trump spoke, an anonymous senior Iranian official clarified that the discussions would not be direct but would proceed with mediation from Oman, a nation known for its favorable relations with both the U.S. and Iran.
Iran’s news outlet, Nour, which is connected to the nation’s top security body, characterized Trump’s remarks regarding direct talks as a “psychological operation aimed at influencing domestic and international public opinion.”
Moreover, a second Iranian official noted the potential urgency surrounding the negotiations, stating that there might be a window of about two months to reach an agreement, warning of Israel’s possible military actions should deliberations extend longer than expected.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his intention to address the U.S.-Israel trade deficit, declaring, “We’re eliminating the trade barriers.” This meeting follows Israel’s recent decision to lift its remaining tariffs on U.S. imports, signaling a commitment to alleviate the economic strain.
In addition, the leaders delved into the ongoing situation in Gaza, particularly following the breakdown of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Mr. Netanyahu highlighted the imperative of further negotiations to free hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which ignited the current conflict.
President Trump also reiterated his previous assertions about the U.S. plan to “control” Gaza, referring to it as “a great piece of real estate,” a statement that continues to generate discourse around U.S. foreign policy in the region.
In a noteworthy display of camaraderie, President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu outside the West Wing with a fist pump. Both leaders, dressed in dark suits accented by red ties, went into the Oval Office for their discussions. While a planned press conference was unexpectedly canceled without explanation, the leaders spoke extensively with a small group of pool reporters.
This visit marks Netanyahu’s second meeting with Trump since the latter resumed office and comes shortly after the president imposed a substantial 17% tariff on Israel in a recent announcement. Trump’s refusal to exempt Israel, a key recipient of U.S. military aid, from these tariffs highlights the ongoing challenges within the U.S.-Israel economic relationship.
Following his arrival, Netanyahu engaged with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, alongside a meeting with Trump’s special Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. These discussions reflect the complexities and nuances of international negotiations amidst tumultuous geopolitical landscapes.
“Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.”
