Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, with the critical agenda of discussing U.S.-Iran negotiations. This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions and a push for Israel to consider military options against Iran, should diplomatic efforts fail. The political significance of this visit is amplified by ongoing debates in both nations about how to address Iranian influence in the region.

Ahead of these urgent discussions, Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani has been engaged in talks with Omani officials, emphasizing Iran's desire to strengthen ties with neighboring countries. The Iranian government's message is clear: they are committed to negotiations based on equal footing and mutual interests, urging Washington to act independently of Israeli influences which they believe destabilize the region.

Dr. Hassan Ahmadian, a Middle East studies professor at Tehran University, points out that Iran aims to shift the focus of their negotiations towards U.S. interests rather than solely catering to Israeli demands. This indicates a complex diplomatic landscape where both sides are trying to position themselves favorably, with significant implications for regional security and the potential for military escalation versus peace talks.