Netanyahu Meets Trump for First Time Since Iran War Began Amid Pressure to Repair Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first face-to-face talks since the two leaders launched a joint military campaign against Iran, with both facing growing political pressure at home and seeking to stabilise their alliance
Netanyahu Meets Trump for First Time Since Iran War Began Amid Pressure to Repair Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first face-to-face talks since the two leaders launched a joint military campaign against Iran, with both facing growing political pressure at home and seeking to stabilise their alliance.
The meeting comes as Netanyahu campaigns for reelection while confronting criticism over his increasingly strained relationship with Trump. The U.S. president, meanwhile, is under pressure to bring an end to a conflict that has disrupted global markets, fuelled inflation and weighed on the American economy ahead of November's midterm elections.
According to a White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, the leaders are expected to discuss the U.S.-Israel framework agreement with Lebanon following the Israel-Hezbollah war, as well as efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump acknowledged minor differences with Netanyahu over Iran but downplayed any significant rift.
"We have a little difference. But pretty close, yeah," Trump said.
Relations between Trump and Netanyahu have fluctuated over the years, though their partnership appeared to strengthen following Trump's return to the White House. In February, the two leaders launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran, presenting a united front and saying the operation aimed to weaken Iran's leadership and improve regional security.
As the conflict escalated, Iran responded with drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military installations and Gulf cities, while disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The retaliation intensified pressure on Washington from regional allies and domestic critics to seek an end to the fighting.
Tuesday's meeting is expected to focus on the future of the Iran conflict, regional security, post-war diplomacy, and efforts to reinforce U.S.-Israeli cooperation amid continuing instability across the Middle East.
Source : AP
