Feb 12 • 16:40 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

Netanyahu: Trump believes conditions have been created for a deal with Iran, I expressed skepticism

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed skepticism about the prospects of an Iran deal during discussions with President Trump, despite Trump's belief that conditions are favorable for negotiations.

In a recent press conference held in Washington, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his doubts regarding the feasibility of a potential agreement with Iran, a view that contrasts with President Trump's more optimistic stance. Netanyahu acknowledged that discussions between the two leaders focused on the ongoing negotiations with Iran, indicating that Trump believes the Iranians have learned from past mistakes and that the current conditions might lead to a beneficial agreement. However, Netanyahu emphasized that he remains skeptical about reaching any deal and insists that any future agreement must comprehensively address Israel's security concerns, including restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and support for its proxy groups.

The meeting, which took place at the White House, was reportedly accelerated at Netanyahu's request. This urgency underscores the Israeli leader's commitment to ensuring that the negotiations with Iran do not overlook critical issues from an Israeli perspective. Netanyahu highlighted the need for a multi-faceted agreement that goes beyond the nuclear program—signaling that ballistic missiles and Iran's regional influence must also be central to any potential deal. This reflects Israel's long-standing concerns over Iran's military capabilities and its support for militant groups in the region, which Israel views as direct threats to its national security.

In response to the discussions, Trump shared a positive sentiment on social media, describing the meeting as productive and reinforcing the strong bilateral relations between Israel and the United States. However, Netanyahu's caution suggests that there are significant complexities involved in the negotiations with Iran. The contrasting perspectives between Netanyahu and Trump may affect the diplomatic approach to Iran, showcasing the delicate balance that Israel must maintain while engaging with the U.S. on this critical issue.

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