President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that nuclear negotiations with Iran must continue, while warning of potential military action if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.

White House Meeting Details

The leaders held an unusually private three-hour meeting at the White House, with Netanyahu entering through a side entrance away from cameras. Trump did not hold a press conference afterward, marking a departure from typical diplomatic protocol. The president later described the meeting as very good on Truth Social, stating he insisted negotiations with Iran continue to determine whether a deal can be reached.

Netanyahu pushed for comprehensive demands beyond nuclear restrictions, seeking limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli officials maintain their country reserves the right to take military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations fail. This marked Netanyahu’s sixth visit to the United States since Trump returned to office, more than any other world leader.

Military Pressure Mounts

Trump revealed he is considering deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, adding to the USS Abraham Lincoln already positioned in the region. The president told Fox Business that a good deal would mean no nuclear weapons and no missiles for Iran. He described an armada heading to the region while maintaining that diplomatic solutions remain possible.

Iranian Response

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned his country would not yield to excessive demands while speaking at a rally marking Iran’s Islamic revolution anniversary. He reiterated that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons and remains ready for verification. Iran has indicated a willingness to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but has rejected broader demands regarding missiles and regional proxy support.