Netanyahu heads to White House to shape US-Iran nuclear negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has embarked on a visit to Washington with the stated goal of presenting Israel's vision for the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. Speaking before his departure, Netanyahu said the talks with President Donald Trump would focus on the Iran issue, alongside Gaza and regional matters.

An urgent diplomatic mission

Netanyahu described the U.S.-Israel relationship as "exceptional and unprecedented," indicating the high priority of the visit. Originally scheduled for later in February, the trip was reportedly moved forward by a week so Netanyahu could attempt to influence the direction of the U.S.-Iran dialogue. This will be the seventh meeting between the two leaders since the start of Trump's second term.

Core disputes in the US-Iran talks

The visit comes just days after the first round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran resumed in Muscat. While President Trump characterized those discussions as "very good," significant gaps remain. The core dispute centers on uranium enrichment: Iran demands sanctions relief in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities, while the U.S. insists Iran must fully halt enrichment and remove highly enriched uranium from the country. Washington also seeks to include Iran's missile program and regional activities in the talks, which Tehran refuses.

Regional tensions and strategic goals

Netanyahu claimed his government's approach reflects principles vital for "peace and security in the Middle East." Iran, however, accuses both the U.S. and Israel of fabricating pretexts for military intervention. For regional actors like Türkiye, the outcome of U.S.-Iran diplomacy and the degree of Israeli influence on it are critical factors for regional stability. Netanyahu's direct engagement underscores Israel's determination to be a decisive voice in a process that directly affects its security calculus.