During a tense Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed some of the world’s most critical hotspots—Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a fresh Gaza ceasefire, trade disputes, and rising instability in Syria and Ukraine. This meeting also brought a bold new concept: Trump suggested US leadership in Gaza after the war. Although the two leaders were in accord on pushing back against Iran and Hamas, they indicated obvious differences on trade and regional policy. Trump’s words indicated his changing vision of US leadership—not only as a mediator, but as a leading power shaping post-war rule in West Asia.
Trump Keeps Military Threat Alive
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that nuclear negotiations with Iran would start, marking the first in his second term. He labeled the delegation “high-level” and warned that Iran would “suffer great danger” if talks broke down. PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on opposing Iran’s nuclear pursuits, reportedly pressuring Trump to authorize airstrikes. Trump opposed that notion for the time being but did not exclude it, continuing to apply pressure on Tehran through a combination of threat and diplomacy. The message was plain—peace is preferable, but force is an option.
Ceasefire Talks Mask Bigger Move
The leaders also talked about working towards another ceasefire in Gaza. Trump was interested in releasing 59 hostages, including US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander. But his most provocative comment came on who, if anyone, should rule over Gaza once fighting ceases. “Having America there, owning and controlling Gaza, would be a good thing,” he explained. PM Benjamin Netanyahu assented to the notion, in effect signaling readiness for Trump’s vision. A major change—to ceasefire broker or possible occupying force. Trump seems set to redefine Gaza’s future under direct US control, a step that would redefine America’s role in the region.
