Trump Confirms Direct Talks With Iran; Netanyahu Cautiously Welcomes Diplomatic Path 

By The Media Line Staff 

President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that the United States has begun direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, a diplomatic move that could shift regional dynamics and affect US-Israel policy coordination. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump said the discussions had already started and were set to continue with a “very big meeting” scheduled for Saturday. 

“We’re having direct talks with Iran, and they’ve started. It’ll go on Saturday. We have a very big meeting, and we’ll see what can happen. And I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable,” President Trump told reporters. He suggested the negotiations were taking place “at almost the highest level” and added, “Maybe a deal’s going to be made; that would be great. It would be really great for Iran.” 

Netanyahu, sitting beside the American president, cautiously endorsed a diplomatic approach but warned of the stakes. “We’re both united in the goal that Iran does not get nuclear weapons. If it can be done diplomatically, in a full way, the way it was done in Libya, I think that would be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.” 

The two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, discussing efforts to secure a new hostage deal and a ceasefire. President Trump said the war “will stop in the not-too-distant future” and praised Netanyahu’s efforts to bring the hostages home. 

Trade was another topic of discussion. Netanyahu vowed to remove all trade barriers with the US and “eliminate the trade deficit,” framing Israel as a model of economic cooperation. 

Separately, Netanyahu has reportedly urged US officials not to proceed with sales of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, citing concerns over Ankara’s ties to Russia’s S-400 defense system. 

Brought to you by www.srnnews.com