Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday for a pivotal meeting with President Donald Trump, saying Iran will dominate their discussions as both leaders seek to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear capabilities following months of conflict. The visit also includes Netanyahu’s attendance at memorial events honoring the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Israel’s strongest allies in Congress.
Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu stressed that recent military operations had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program but warned the threat has not been eliminated. He said the campaign had set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by several years, while cautioning that the regime could still attempt to revive the program if pressure is relaxed.
“We have to be on the constant, constant watch so it doesn’t happen,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that continued vigilance by both Israel and the United States will be necessary to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
Netanyahu said Iran would be the first topic on the agenda during his meeting with President Trump. He added that the two leaders would also discuss regional security, the expansion of Middle East peace agreements, and additional steps to strengthen Israel’s strategic position following recent military successes.
The Israeli leader departed from an Israeli Air Force base near Beersheba instead of Ben Gurion Airport because of heightened security concerns and potential Iranian threats. Israeli officials viewed the alternate departure as a precaution while tensions with Tehran remain elevated despite the current pause in large-scale military operations.
The visit comes after President Trump paused U.S. airstrikes against Iran following nearly two weeks of sustained military operations. Although active combat has temporarily subsided, both Washington and Jerusalem have continued warning that Iran must not be allowed to restore either its military capabilities or its nuclear infrastructure.
Netanyahu’s visit marks another major moment in the close coordination between the two allies as they confront what both governments describe as the greatest security challenge facing the region. With Iran remaining at the center of Middle East tensions, President Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss how to preserve recent military gains while ensuring Tehran cannot reestablish the capabilities that triggered the joint campaign.
The post Netanyahu Travels To Washington For High-Stakes Meeting With President Trump As Iran Remains Top Priority appeared first on Real News Now.
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