Netanyahu and Trump meet at White House to discuss joint war against Iran

Netanyahu and Trump meet at White House to discuss joint war against Iran

President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for their first meeting since the two leaders launched a joint war against Iran five months ago. The closed-door session, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, served as an opportunity for Netanyahu to address strains in the relationship between the two allies.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the encounter as positive and productive. Netanyahu echoed this sentiment in a video on Instagram, calling the meeting excellent and one of the best conversations I’ve had with the President of the United States, our friend Donald Trump. He described the exchange as a conversation with full partnership, with mutual support centered on the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Strategic Friction and Nuclear Tensions

The meeting took place amid public friction. Trump had previously criticized Netanyahu for announcing concerns about Iranian nuclear activities to the world rather than discussing them privately. Specifically, Trump expressed frustration over reports that Netanyahu intended to share intelligence regarding Pickaxe Mountain, a potential nuclear site that the U.S. President has threatened to bomb.

Speaking to Fox & Friends, Trump asserted that he knows exactly what is happening at Pickaxe and claimed that Iranian activities there are not a big problem, suggesting Netanyahu shared the information because he wanted the U.S. To remain involved.

Despite these tensions, Netanyahu sought to understand Trump's vision for the conflict. On Sunday, the prime minister told Fox News Channel's Sunday Morning Futures that he hoped to hear what Trump has in mind for Iran, noting that the decision on how to move forward is largely the president's. Netanyahu emphasized that while military fighting could be avoided, Iran's nuclear program have to end.

Domestic Pressures and Regional Stability

Both leaders are facing domestic challenges. Netanyahu is currently up for reelection and has dealt with a deteriorating relationship with Trump. Meanwhile, Trump faces pressure ahead of November midterm elections to end a war that has caused economic disruption and driven up prices. According to the auto club AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas rose to $4.10 on Tuesday, up from a June low of around $3.70.

The conflict has seen Iran deploy drones and missiles against U.S. Bases and Gulf cities, while also choking the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the U.S. Military struck various military targets this month. Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani reported on Tuesday that U.S. Strikes destroyed an airport and a marine control tower, and damaged 12 bridges and two tunnels. Specifically, the Bushehr International Airport has been rendered inoperable.

The leaders also discussed the expansion of the Abraham Accords and a framework agreement signed with Lebanon regarding the Israel-Hezbollah war. In Lebanon, Israel is testing a pilot program allowing the Lebanese army to deploy to certain villages. The U.S. State Department announced that further talks on expanding this program will occur next week in Rome.

Diplomatic and Security Delegations

The Oval Office meeting included a senior American delegation consisting of Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and envoy Steve Witkoff. The Israeli side was represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and other senior officials.

The visit occurred as the U.S. Sees a decline in bipartisan support for Israel, particularly concerning Gaza. On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved a measure allowing the first members of an international stabilization force—including troops from Uganda and Morocco—to enter a small area in Rafah. However, these entries will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Parallel Events in Washington

The diplomatic visit coincided with the funeral services for Sen. Lindsey Graham. Netanyahu, who praised Graham as one of Israel's greatest friends and supporters, attended a memorial dinner on Monday evening and the main funeral service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also met with Trump on Tuesday prior to the funeral. Zelenskyy and Trump discussed diplomacy and licenses for Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors.

As for the immediate future, U.S. And Lebanese officials are scheduled to meet in Rome next week to continue discussions on regional security.