Netanyahu Heads to Washington to Press Trump on Iran Missiles

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington for high-stakes White House talks with President Donald Trump, aiming to push for a tougher U.S. position on Iran — particularly its ballistic missile program.

The meeting, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time (1600 GMT), comes amid renewed nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Netanyahu is expected to urge Trump to harden America’s stance and ensure any future agreement goes beyond nuclear restrictions to also address Iran’s missile capabilities.

Trump Weighs Military Pressure

On the eve of the meeting, Trump said he is considering deploying a second U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran.

“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time,” Trump said, referencing previous U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during last year’s 12-day Israel-Iran conflict.

While expressing hope for a deal, Trump stressed that any agreement must include “no nuclear weapons, no missiles,” accusing Tehran of years of dishonesty.

Netanyahu’s Priorities: Missiles and Security

Netanyahu, making his sixth U.S. visit since Trump’s return to office, said the Iran talks would be his “first and foremost” focus.

His office confirmed he will highlight Iran’s expanding missile arsenal — a key concern after Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles at Israel during last year’s unprecedented confrontation.

Although nuclear talks resumed in Oman last week, Iran has so far rejected expanding discussions beyond its nuclear program. Washington, however, wants missile development and Tehran’s support for regional militant groups included.