Informed sources reported that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached common understandings during their recent meeting in Washington, which stipulate intensifying economic and political pressures on Iran. This approach comes in conjunction with ongoing negotiation rounds, in an attempt to impose a new reality that forces Tehran to make fundamental concessions.
Media reports stated that the two sides agreed to activate the 'maximum pressure' policy with full force, with the aim of pushing Iran to finally abandon its nuclear ambitions. A US official confirmed that the administration is dealing with the Iranian side with complete realism, stressing that the ball is now in Tehran's court, and that no agreement that does not guarantee real and strict conditions will be accepted.
During the meeting, an in-depth discussion took place regarding the possibilities of reaching a new nuclear agreement, with Netanyahu expressing great skepticism about Tehran's intentions. The Israeli Prime Minister was quoted as telling Trump that concluding an agreement with the Iranian regime is impossible, considering that Tehran will not respect any commitments it signs, which reflects the gap in assessing diplomatic feasibility.
In contrast, President Trump expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of reaching a settlement, indicating his desire to give the diplomatic path one last chance to consider the results. Trump clarified that he would closely monitor developments before making final decisions regarding the nature of the future relationship with the Iranian nuclear file and its regional implications.
For their part, the US President's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who attended the meeting, stated that historical experiences make reaching an agreement extremely complex. However, they indicated that the negotiations are making relative progress, awaiting the Iranian response to the American demands that will be presented to Trump for decision.
Estimates in Tel Aviv indicate that Washington may move in the next phase to impose severe economic sanctions targeting countries that continue their commercial dealings with Tehran. This political path is accompanied by strengthening the American military buildup in the region, including sending additional aircraft carriers as a clear deterrent message.
Media sources attribute Trump's change in tone towards hinting at regime change and setting a final deadline for negotiations ending next month, to Netanyahu's direct influence on shaping the American position. Political circles are awaiting Senator Lindsey Graham's visit to Israel, where Tel Aviv seeks to leverage his influence to reinforce hardline approaches against Tehran.
On another note, concern prevails in Israeli circles about the convening of the 'Peace Council' in Washington in mid-February, with the participation of high-level Qatari and Turkish figures. Israel fears that these meetings may affect Trump's vision and present a different narrative to the Israeli position regarding Iranian threats in the region.
On the ground and politically, the parties are preparing for the second round of US-Iranian negotiations in Geneva next week, amid Tehran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium. These talks are taking place in an atmosphere charged with military movements and escalating political pressures aimed at shaping the features of the next phase in the Middle East.
It is impossible to conclude an agreement with Iran, and even if you sign an agreement with it, it will not respect it.
שתף את דעתך
Trump and Netanyahu agree to escalate 'maximum pressure' against Iran coinciding with negotiations