Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday for their first face-to-face talks since the Iran war began, with both leaders seeking to ease recent public differences while reviewing the latest developments in the Middle East.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted about an hour and a half, focused largely on the conflict involving Iran after months of heightened tensions. The White House later described the discussions as "positive and productive" as Washington continues to push for negotiations following a pause in the fighting.
The war began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Although the conflict eased after Washington signalled it wanted diplomacy to take priority, tensions flared again earlier this month when an April ceasefire collapsed. Israel has not been involved in the latest exchange of hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The meeting marked the eighth time Trump and Netanyahu have met since the US president returned to office in early 2025. It also comes as both leaders prepare for important elections later this year, with Israel set for national polls and the United States heading into midterm elections.
Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu said the discussions would cover several regional issues, with Iran taking top priority.
"We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us," Netanyahu said before departing from Israel.
After arriving in Washington, Netanyahu attended a private memorial dinner on Monday evening in honour of the late senator Lindsey Graham, according to his office. He was also expected to attend Graham's memorial service later on Tuesday.
Relations between Trump and Netanyahu had come under pressure in April during talks over the Iran ceasefire. At the time, Trump publicly criticised the Israeli leader using strong language before later describing Netanyahu in an interview as a "very difficult guy."
Netanyahu dismissed the differences, describing them as "tactical disagreements" and maintaining that both leaders remained united on the overall objectives of the war.
Beyond Iran, the leaders were also expected to review the implementation of a US-backed framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon last month, although putting the deal into effect has faced challenges.
The talks were also expected to cover the situation in Gaza, where efforts to restart reconstruction have stalled. Nearly three years after the war between Israel and Hamas began, the humanitarian crisis in the territory remains severe, while Israel continues carrying out attacks targeting people its military identifies as militants.
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said Netanyahu's visit comes at what he described as a critical moment for the region.
Danon said Iran continues "to choose terrorism over negotiations" while also blocking the key Strait of Hormuz waterway.