Trump, Netanyahu discuss Iran options: deal, blockade, or airstrikes

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a 90-minute discussion regarding potential responses to Iran, exploring options that ranged from diplomatic agreement to military action. The meeting, the first between the leaders since the outbreak of war with Iran on February 28, took place at the White House.

According to Israeli officials, the three main options on the table were: reaching an agreement with Iran, implementing a naval blockade and increasing economic pressure, or resuming and intensifying military strikes. Netanyahu reportedly expressed skepticism about the possibility of a diplomatic agreement, instead advocating for a strategy of sustained economic pressure and a naval blockade, which he believes could instigate internal regime change within Iran.

Israeli analysis suggests that Iran is experiencing internal debate between pragmatists, concerned about economic collapse due to fuel supply disruptions, and hardliners focused on maintaining control and support. Netanyahu appears to have leveraged this internal division, arguing that intensified pressure on Iran's weakened economy could be a catalyst for altering the regime.

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We discussed all options in depth and very frankly. It wasn't about preferring one option over another, but about examining what the best outcome would be from each choice.

An Israeli official stated that all options were discussed "in depth and very frankly," emphasizing that the goal was not to favor one option but to "examine what the best outcome would be from each choice." During the talks, Netanyahu also reportedly reiterated Israel's intention to maintain its military presence in a "buffer zone" in southern Syria and presented maps to Trump, comparing the Turkish-controlled areas in Syria to Israeli-occupied territories.

Trump had previously requested Israeli troop withdrawals from Syria and Lebanon. The U.S. position, however, distinguishes between the Turkish presence in northern Syria, which is based on Syrian government consent, and other situations. Netanyahu also proposed negotiating a new memorandum of understanding to phase out U.S. military aid to Israel over the next decade, aiming to achieve Israel's "defense independence."

Hours after the summit concluded, Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, marking its first such action since Trump halted airstrikes against Iran on February 24. In response, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a strong stance against Iran in a subsequent interview, indicating a potential resumption of airstrikes.

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Turkey's controlled areas in Syria are 50 times larger than Israeli-occupied territories.