White House meeting revealed: Trump and Netanyahu plan to pressure Iran via China

As diplomatic contacts between the US and Iran continue, the US-based news site Axios has brought a striking claim to the agenda. According to information based on two unnamed US officials, Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a consensus during their meeting at the White House this week on increasing economic pressure on Iran.

While the officials stated that Iran's oil sales to China are specifically being targeted, it was noted that more than 80 percent of Iran's oil exports are directed to China. The report included a quote from one official stating, "We have decided to apply maximum pressure on Iran, for example on issues such as oil sales to China."

CONSENSUS ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR CAPACITY

The report stated that Trump and Netanyahu agreed that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons. However, it was noted that there is a disagreement between the parties regarding the methods to be followed to achieve this goal. It was stated that Netanyahu argued to Trump that it is not possible to reach a comprehensive and credible agreement with Iran, and that even if such an agreement were signed, the Tehran administration would not comply with it.

It was reported that Trump approached this view with caution and replied to Netanyahu, "We will see if it is possible. Let's give it a try."

CAUTIOUS APPROACH FROM WITKOFF AND KUSHNER

The report also included assessments of the process by Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. It was stated that the two expressed that past experiences have shown that it is extremely difficult to reach a satisfactory agreement with Iran.

It was noted that Witkoff and Kushner conveyed to Trump that negotiations with Iran would continue and that a tough stance would be maintained during this process. The report claimed that if Iran accepts an agreement that meets US expectations, Trump will be offered the final decision on whether or not to accept this agreement.

News Source: İHA