Feb 10 • 06:31 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Is Netanyahu imposing conditions on Trump before the agreement with Iran?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned that a potential agreement between the US and Iran may not address Israel's immediate security needs, particularly regarding Iran's ballistic missile program.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump amid rising concerns in Israel regarding the possibility of a U.S.-Iran agreement that may compromise its security interests. With Netanyahu emphasizing the need for discussions to include limits on Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups, Israeli officials are wary of the implications of any deal that might overlook these critical matters. As Netanyahu prepares for his sixth visit to the U.S. under Trump's presidency, he has made clear his stance on the negotiations, stressing that negotiations should address Iran’s regional influence through its allies like Hezbollah and Hamas.

In the lead-up to this meeting, the dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations are under scrutiny. Trump has recently stated that initial indirect negotiations held in Oman were promising, suggesting that Iran is eager to reach an agreement. This sets the stage for a complex dialogue where Netanyahu needs to advocate for Israel's security concerns while balancing the U.S.'s diplomatic goals with Iran. The potential of a deal centered solely on nuclear weapons, as insisted by Tehran, raises the stakes for Israel, which fears an unconstrained Iran could pose significant risks, especially with its missile capabilities.

The outcome of this upcoming meeting will likely have lasting implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics. Netanyahu’s push for comprehensive negotiations that include ballistic missile restrictions reflects Israel’s long-standing concerns about Iranian military advancements. As both leaders discuss the future of U.S.-Iran relations, the decisions made could either exacerbate regional tensions or promote a cautious diplomatic approach that might safeguard Israeli security interests in an increasingly volatile environment.

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