Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss ongoing American negotiations with Iran. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions, following a threat from the Iranian Foreign Minister to strike U.S. Military bases in the region.
Netanyahu’s office stated that any negotiations must include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and an end to its support for regional proxies. This refers to Tehran’s backing of groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories.
Trump and Netanyahu last met in December for discussions on strategic cooperation between the two countries. The White House has not yet issued an official statement regarding the planned meeting.
The United States and Iran held indirect talks in Oman last Friday, but those discussions reportedly stalled, returning to an impasse regarding approaches to Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump described the talks as “very good” and indicated that a follow-up round would be held early next week. The U.S. Delegation was led by Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military force to compel Iran to reach a nuclear agreement, a stance reinforced by the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and other warships to the area.
Gulf Arab states are concerned that a potential strike could escalate into a wider regional conflict, recalling the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June.
In a first for negotiations with Iran, the U.S. Included its top military commander in the Middle East. The head of U.S. Central Command, Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, participated and subsequently visited the USS Abraham Lincoln alongside Witkoff and Kushner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear talks must grab place in a calm atmosphere, free from threats. He added that diplomats have returned to their respective capitals, signaling the end of this round of negotiations.
In an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi stated that if the U.S. Attacks Iran, his country lacks the capability to directly strike U.S. Territory and would instead retaliate by targeting U.S. Military bases in the region.
Araghchi similarly cited a deep lack of trust stemming from previous negotiations. He referenced the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the U.S. During last year’s Israel-Iran conflict.
Araghchi affirmed that issues related to missiles and defense are non-negotiable, stating they will not be discussed now or in the future.
Tehran has consistently maintained that talks should focus solely on the nuclear program. However, Al Jazeera reported on a proposal from diplomats from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to Iran.
The proposal reportedly asked Iran to halt uranium enrichment for three years and ship highly enriched uranium abroad, as well as pledge to refrain from pursuing ballistic missile development.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said any talks must encompass all of these issues. This position aligns with Israel’s assessment that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Israel, a close ally of the U.S., seeks a complete halt to Iran’s nuclear program, as well as an end to its ballistic missile program and support for militant groups in the region.
Speaking at a forum in Qatar, Araghchi accused Israel of destabilizing the region, alleging violations of other nations’ sovereignty, assassinations of officials, and expanding military operations.
Araghchi also criticized Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, calling for comprehensive and targeted sanctions against Israel, including an immediate arms embargo.
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The upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump underscores the escalating tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The situation has the potential to significantly impact global security and energy markets.
