Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Meeting Plans Amid Iran Tensions

The White House and the Israeli Prime Minister’s office are reportedly discussing a potential Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu next week, though sources say no official schedule has been set. The planned meeting comes at a crucial moment for US foreign policy, with President Trump reportedly considering continuing large-scale combat operations against Iran. Such operations would likely involve a joint military campaign with Israel, similar to the launch of Operation Epic Fury on 28 February. The meeting with Netanyahu is considered highly significant for Trump’s decision-making process and tactical coordination between the two nations. Since Trump returned to office a year and a half ago, Netanyahu has visited the Oval Office six times, more frequently than any other world leader. However, Netanyahu’s political standing in Washington is currently at a difficult point. He is reportedly unpopular not only among Democrats but also within Trump’s inner circle and the MAGA base. Last week, Netanyahu requested a meeting with Trump but was not given a schedule. He subsequently postponed his trip to Washington, citing the delay of a memorial service for the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Netanyahu is now scheduled to travel to Washington to attend Graham’s funeral at the Capitol and National Cathedral on Tuesday. As of press time, both the Israeli Prime Minister’s office and the Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to provide official comment. The Trump administration finds itself at a crossroads regarding the conflict with Iran. US and Israeli officials see two realistic endgames. Israeli officials stated that their military is preparing for a possible expansion of the war into a full-scale coordinated campaign within days, but stressed that Israel would only engage directly if attacked by Iran or if explicitly requested to participate by the United States. Israel is drafting military plans in case the US-Iran conflict escalates. While currently monitoring the situation, the IDF has declared full readiness if asked to join by the US. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has insisted that the ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must be respected, rejecting any guarantee of protection from President Trump. Trump has asserted that Netanyahu will not be arrested in the US, dismissing the threat from Mayor Mamdani regarding the ICC warrant. Mayor Mamdani is reviewing legal authority to order the police to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu based on the ICC warrant. A recent Maariv poll shows the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot is predicted to win a majority of seats, while support for Likud and Haredi parties has declined. The IRGC also claimed to have damaged two US helicopters and struck a military personnel centre, resulting in casualties. Iran has warned Bulgaria against allowing its territory to be used as a launch pad for US military operations amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude oil prices surged nearly 4% after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that strikes on Iran would continue as long as the Strait of Hormuz is blockaded. Following ten days of conflict with the US, Iran faces three strategic options regarding the Strait of Hormuz: concession, escalation, or prolonged uncertainty. It was added that Iran and the United States are not currently engaged in negotiations, but the possibility of an exchange of messages between the two parties has not been ruled out.