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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives at White House on Wednesday for talks on Iran with US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu travels in black SUV flying Israeli and US flags from Blair House, official guest residence near White House.
Trump hosts Netanyahu as Israeli premier seeks to persuade Washington to apply maximum pressure on Iran. Ahead of meeting, Trump sends mixed signals, expressing hope for deal with Tehran while also issuing military threats.
Meeting marks seventh since Trump’s return to White House. Their last encounter takes place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida in late December.
Talks come days after US-Iran negotiations in Oman, after which Trump announces second round to follow.
On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran ready for “any verification process” regarding peaceful nature of nuclear programme, reiterating that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but will not yield to “excessive demands”.
Iran missiles
Netanyahu says any US-Iran negotiations must include curbs on Iran’s missile programme and halt to support for Tehran-backed armed groups in Middle East.
Iran’s ballistic missiles remain major concern for Israel, located within range of more than 2,000 kilometres.
During 12-day war in June last year, Iran launches waves of ballistic missiles and other projectiles towards Israeli territory, hitting military and civilian areas. Israeli officials warn Iran capable of striking without warning and overwhelming air defence systems in prolonged conflict.
Tehran continues toرفض expanding talks beyond nuclear file.
Before visit, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei warns of “destructive pressure and influence” on diplomatic efforts.
زيارة seen as politically significant for Netanyahu, who faces prospect of early elections and seeks political gains.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog says during visit to Australia he hopes Trump-Netanyahu talks will help undermine what he calls Iran’s “empire of evil”.
Trump position
On Tuesday, Trump tells Fox Business he prefers reaching “good deal” with Iran: “no nuclear weapon, no missiles, no this, no that”. He says Iranians would be “foolish” to reject deal while questioning credibility of Iranian authorities.
Trump also tells Axios he considers reinforcing US naval presence in Middle East with second aircraft carrier.
Guy Ziv, professor of foreign policy and global security at American University in Washington, says Trump wants to any deal he reaches would be better than 2015 Vienna nuclear agreement under Barack Obama, from which Trump withdraws in 2018. He tells AFP that including missile issue could be one way to achieve that.
Oman talks
After first round of talks on 6 February in Oman, Washington and Tehran say they want to continue dialogue despite clear gaps. Iran insists negotiations limited to nuclear programme, while US wants missile programme included.
Meeting also coincides with growing international reaction to Israeli measures aimed at deepening control over occupied West Bank, including allowing Israelis to purchase land and weakening Palestinian Authority.
US administration official reiterates Monday that Trump opposes Israeli annexation of West Bank.
AFP