Trump Sticks With Iran Talks as Netanyahu Presses for Broader Deal

Overview

• After a private meeting of more than two and a half hours in Washington, Netanyahu said Trump believes conditions are taking shape for a “good agreement” with Iran.
• Trump stated his preference to keep negotiating rather than take a harder line immediately, while cautioning that refusal to reach a deal would bring severe consequences.
• Netanyahu voiced skepticism about any pact that does not also curb Iran’s ballistic missiles or its backing of armed groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
• Iranian authorities signaled openness to nuclear restrictions in exchange for suspension of financial sanctions but rejected tying missile issues to the talks.
• No major decisions were announced after the meeting, which followed recent U.S.–Iran contacts in Oman and coincides with a heightened U.S. military posture in the region.