Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to sit down with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The American leader is considering whether to broaden strikes against Iran or seek a diplomatic path on the Strait of Hormuz and the Islamic Republic nuclear efforts.

Israel worries Trump may push for an early halt to fighting before Iran loses all future ability to build nuclear arms. Trump has stated repeatedly that Iran must never obtain such weapons, yet the conflict and resulting economic strain have lowered his approval ratings to new lows in his second term. Those figures concern Republicans as midterm elections approach and could shift power in Congress.

Netanyahu and Trump also disagree on the recent US-Saudi nuclear pact, the planned delivery of F-35 jets to Turkey, and how long Israeli forces should remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Netanyahu flew to the United States for the funeral of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a steadfast supporter of Israel. Graham also backed Trump strongly on the Iran campaign. Opposition leader Yair Lapid will join the service at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday.

During his stay in Washington, Netanyahu aims to close the growing differences with Trump on regional policy.

Iran Leads the Discussion

In a video message issued before leaving on Monday, Netanyahu stated his mission has one clear aim: protecting the security, strength and future of Israel.

He added that the talks will cover all topics, starting with Iran, while also working to strengthen security and broaden peace in the region.

Netanyahu said he will honor Graham, calling him one of Israel greatest allies.

Israeli observers note the growing divide between the two governments. Former IDF intelligence chief Amos Yadlin told Israel Radio that Netanyahu hopes the United States will resume military action.

Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One about the differences, while still praising Netanyahu. He described their past cooperation as successful.

When asked about F-35 sales to Turkey, which Netanyahu has opposed, Trump said Turkey remains a strong partner and that no one dictates US arms decisions. He noted Turkey does not favor Israel or Netanyahu.

Israel has responded cautiously to the new US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal. Concerns center on plants that could enrich uranium. Such assistance was once a Biden incentive to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords.

Trump has tied US support for Saudi nuclear facilities to normalization with Israel and a ban on uranium enrichment. On Monday he told reporters he had not yet discussed the Abraham Accords with Saudi Arabia. Tuesday marks the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the deal was revealed.

Closer alignment with Trump helps Netanyahu politically ahead of Israel October 27 election. Trump has met Netanyahu more often than any other foreign leader in his second term. This will be their eighth encounter and fifth White House visit.

Strong ties with Netanyahu appeal to Trump evangelical supporters before US midterms in November, though they may distance other Americans who oppose the conflict.

Netanyahu standing in the United States has weakened due to declining support for the war and his role in promoting it.

Yadlin observed that this is not the same Netanyahu from 2025 or early 2026 and that he will face a wary reception.

Previous Trip Led to Major Strikes

Netanyahu last visited Washington in February and helped secure the joint bombing campaign against Iran that started February 28.

Tehran responded by shutting the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of global oil moves. Oil prices rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, climbing from 61 dollars to 118 dollars per barrel.

Iran later allowed limited reopening after an April ceasefire and a June memorandum with the United States. That understanding broke down in early July, leading to renewed US strikes without Israeli participation. The United States bombed Iran for 13 straight nights until Thursday while talks continued.

Both countries initially shared the goal of destroying Iran nuclear and missile programs, with Netanyahu also seeking regime change.

Over the weekend Trump emphasized that the campaign targets Iran nuclear sites. Last week he mentioned striking the facility at Pickaxe Mountain.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told NBC Meet the Press that all options remain available while talks proceed.

He rejected claims that supply shortages prompted the pause in bombing, stating the United States has ample military resources.

Waltz cautioned Iran against ignoring US threats. Early Monday Trump posted an AI video showing himself planting a flag on an Iranian tanker with the slogan it is our oil tanker now.

Later Trump told reporters he is holding productive talks with Iran and will see what develops. He said a positive outcome is possible, otherwise strikes could resume.

Yadlin told Israel Radio that Trump ultimately wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened.

The war began with a focus on the Iranian regime and its nuclear program, yet Yadlin predicted it will conclude with the strait open and a diplomatic arrangement on Iran nuclear weapons.

Israel has observed the renewed US-Iran contacts from the sidelines.

Sima Shine of the Tel Aviv-based International Institute of Strategic Studies noted that neither Washington nor Tehran has sought Israeli involvement, fearing it would expand the fighting.

Keeping the conflict bilateral simplifies a return to negotiations, she told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The United States can manage operations more easily without Israel, which would bring its own goals, Shine said. Israel would join only if attacked or invited by the United States.

In a Fox News interview on Sunday, Netanyahu promised a strong response if Iran strikes Israel.

He stressed that Iran must abandon its nuclear program, noting strikes have delayed but not ended it.

A nuclear-armed Iran threatens Israel, the region, the United States and the world, he said, adding that both he and Trump are committed to stopping that outcome.