Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday for a high-stakes visit with President Donald Trump, saying Iran will be the top priority during their discussions as both allies seek to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. The trip also includes attendance at the funeral of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest supporters in Congress.
Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu stressed that the recent military campaign against Iran had significantly damaged the regime’s nuclear ambitions but warned the threat had not disappeared. Speaking on Fox News, he said Iran’s program had been pushed back “a good few years,” but cautioned that the regime could still attempt to restore it.
“We have to be on the constant, constant watch so it doesn’t happen,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that continued vigilance will be essential to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu said his meeting with President Trump would focus first and foremost on Iran, while also addressing broader regional security issues and efforts to expand peace agreements in the Middle East. In a statement before boarding his flight, he said the shared objective remains protecting Israel’s security, strengthening its military position, and broadening the circle of peace with neighboring nations.
The prime minister departed from an Israeli Air Force base near Beersheba instead of Ben Gurion Airport after reports of potential Iranian security threats. Israeli officials viewed the alternate departure location as a precaution while tensions with Tehran remain elevated following months of conflict.
The visit comes after President Trump ordered a pause in U.S. airstrikes against Iran following nearly two weeks of sustained military operations. Although active combat has temporarily subsided, both Washington and Jerusalem continue to warn that Iran must not be allowed to rebuild its military or nuclear capabilities.
Netanyahu’s trip marks another opportunity for the two leaders to coordinate strategy on one of the administration’s highest foreign policy priorities. With Iran remaining at the center of regional tensions, both sides are expected to discuss how to preserve recent military gains while preventing Tehran from reestablishing the capabilities that prompted the joint campaign in the first place.
The post Netanyahu Heads To Washington As Iran Tops Agenda For Meeting With President Trump appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
