"We did not reach anything decisive, other than my emphasis that negotiations with Iran must continue to see if a deal can be finalized", US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social following a three-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on 11/2.
Trump stated that dialogue with Iran is the top option, adding that "if not, we will have to wait and see what the outcome will be". He noted that the last time Iran rejected a deal, the US attacked its nuclear facilities in 6/2025.
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US President Donald Trump (right) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on 11/2. Photo: Times of Israel |
In an interview with Fox Business aired on 10/2, the President stated that a good deal with Iran means "no nuclear weapons, no missiles", but provided no further explanation. He also told Axios on the same day that he was considering deploying additional carrier strike groups near Iran.
"Either we reach a deal, or we will have to do something very tough, like last time. We already have a group of ships nearby and may deploy another group", he said.
The Israeli prime minister's office stated that during his talks with the US president, Netanyahu "emphasized Israel's security needs related to negotiations with Iran".
The meeting at the White House was private. Netanyahu entered through a side entrance, with no traditional honor guard ceremony and no reporters present. The Israeli prime minister's office released a photo of the two leaders shaking hands.
Israel's concerns peaked during last year's conflict, when Iran launched multiple ballistic missile barrages and other projectiles into Israeli territory, striking both military and civilian targets.
Iran has so far rejected expanding negotiations with the US on issues beyond its nuclear program. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on 11/2 that Tehran would "not concede to excessive demands". However, he affirmed that Iran is not seeking to possess nuclear weapons.
Thanh Tam (Source: AFP, Reuters)
