Feb 12 β€’ 08:40 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· Greece Naftemporiki

Netanyahu's 'Defeat' at the White House over Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a setback in his meeting with President Trump, as the latter emphasized his commitment to pursuing a deal with Iran rather than military action.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu experienced what is being described as a defeat following his three-hour meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Trump underscored his intention to continue seeking a diplomatic agreement with Iran, distancing himself from the military actions that the Israeli government has been advocating for. This shift in focus from military intervention to negotiation marks a significant turn in U.S.-Israeli relations regarding Iran.

After the lengthy discussions, there was a notable absence of a joint press conference, a departure from the usual protocol and indicative of the differing positions held by the two leaders. While Trump characterized the meeting as "very good," Netanyahu appeared skeptical about the prospects of achieving a diplomatic solution, reiterating his strong support for military measures against Iran. This divergence raises concerns about the unity of Israeli and American strategies as they confront Iranian influence and ambitions in the region.

The buildup to this meeting had been intense, marking the seventh time Trump and Netanyahu have convened since Trump returned to the presidency. However, unlike previous encounters characterized by mutual agreement on approaches to Iran, this meeting revealed significant rifts, highlighting the complexities of U.S.-Israeli relations, especially concerning how to tackle Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The implications of this meeting could impact future diplomatic engagements and military posturing by both nations in the Middle East.

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