President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is initiating direct, high-level discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While addressing reporters in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement with Iran, though he cautioned that Iran would be in “great danger” if the negotiations did not yield positive results.
Mr. Netanyahu, for his part, mentioned that the US and Israel are collaborating on another agreement to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, following the breakdown of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Iran’s ally.
“We’re engaging with the Iranians; we have a significant meeting scheduled for Saturday, and we are handling it directly,” Mr. Trump informed reporters after a discussion focused on Israel’s aim to avoid US tariffs.
Benjamin Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to personally appeal for a reprieve on tariffs.
The announcement from Mr. Trump came just a day after Iran rejected the notion of direct negotiations to establish a new agreement to limit the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activities, labeling the idea as futile.
He had withdrawn from the previous agreement in 2018 during his initial presidency, leading to rampant speculation that Israel, potentially with US assistance, might target Iranian facilities if a new accord is not reached.
However, Mr. Trump issued a pointed warning to Iran.
“I believe that if the negotiations fail with Iran, they will be in great danger, and I hate to emphasize the word ‘danger,’ because they must not possess a nuclear weapon,” he stated.
Shortly before Mr. Trump’s announcement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei indicated that Iran was awaiting a response from the US concerning its proposal for indirect talks.
He described the offer from the Islamic Republic as generous, responsible, and honorable.
After Mr. Trump’s remarks, a senior Iranian official, who requested anonymity, remarked: “The discussions will not be direct… It will involve mediation from Oman.”
Oman, known for maintaining amicable relations with both the US and Iran, has historically served as a conduit for communications between the two nations.
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Iran’s Nour news, linked to the nation’s top security authority, characterized Mr. Trump’s announcement about a proposed direct meeting as part of a “psychological operation aimed at swaying domestic and international public perception.”
A separate Iranian official, also speaking anonymously over the weekend, suggested that there might be an opportunity spanning roughly two months to secure a deal, citing concerns that Israel could undertake its own military action if they prolonged the discussions.
This insight coincided with Mr. Netanyahu becoming the first foreign leader to explicitly request a reprieve from harsh US tariffs that have sent ripples worldwide.
The Israeli Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to “eliminate” the trade deficit between the two nations and dismantle trade “barriers.”
Israel has also moved to lift its final tariffs on US imports in anticipation of the meeting.
Mr. Netanyahu expressed his belief that Israel could act “as a model for many nations” regarding tariff negotiations.
Gaza talks
The discussions between Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump also touched upon Gaza, where a brief US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has faltered.
Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the US and Israel are working on new negotiations to free additional hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which ignited the current conflict.
“We are currently pursuing another agreement that we hope will be successful, and we are committed to securing the release of all hostages,” Mr. Netanyahu stated in the Oval Office.
Mr. Trump also reiterated his intention for the US to “control” Gaza, describing it as a “valuable piece of real estate.” He initially proposed this plan during Mr. Netanyahu’s previous visit in February.
Earlier, Mr. Trump welcomed Mr. Netanyahu outside the West Wing, pumping his fist in enthusiasm before the two leaders, both dressed in dark suits, red ties, and white shirts, entered for their meeting in the Oval Office.
A planned press conference between the two leaders was abruptly cancelled without explanation, a rare occurrence; however, they engaged in lengthy discussions with a small group of pool reporters in the Oval Office.
This visit marks Mr. Netanyahu’s second meeting with Mr. Trump since the US President regained power and came just days after Mr. Trump imposed a 17% tariff on Israel in his recent “Liberation Day” announcement.
Mr. Trump declined to exempt the primary beneficiary of US military assistance from his global tariff initiative, citing the notable trade deficit the United States has with Israel.
Mr. Netanyahu met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Sunday night immediately following his arrival, according to his office.
The Israeli Prime Minister also engaged with Mr. Trump’s special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff the day prior.
