Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will urge US President Donald Trump to maintain a "constant, constant watch" on Iran’s nuclear program during their meeting in Washington on Tuesday, despite recent setbacks to Tehran’s capabilities.
Netanyahu’s Warning on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Netanyahu told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that while Israel and the US have pushed back Iran’s nuclear program "a good few years," Tehran could still attempt to rebuild what has been destroyed. "Yes, we pushed it back, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have the attempt to restore it," he said, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
The Israeli leader said he had no new intelligence to present but wanted to hear Trump’s plans, calling the US president’s approach "in many ways... his decision." The two leaders’ meeting comes after nearly two weeks of escalating strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Diplomatic Pause Amid Rising Tensions
Trump and the US military have remained largely silent over the weekend about the pause in hostilities, with UN Ambassador Mike Waltz stating on NBC that the president was allowing space for negotiations. Iran, meanwhile, held talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global energy chokepoint—and announced it had halted retaliatory attacks.
White House spokesman Steven Cheung said Trump "prefers a diplomatic solution" but retains "all options" if Iran continues activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against US allies. The president himself declared the US "locked and loaded" for major strikes but suggested waiting for diplomacy to play out.
What Happens Next
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump will focus on aligning intelligence efforts and long-term strategy to monitor Iran’s nuclear program. Observers will watch for any shift in US policy, particularly whether Trump leans toward further military action or renewed diplomatic pressure on Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with Iran’s recent talks with Oman signaling potential moves to ease tensions—or prepare for the next escalation.
