Netanyahu heads to Washington, vows to expand 'circle of peace' as Iran tops agenda

BE'ER SHEVA, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran will be the top priority during his meeting with US President Donald Trump as he departed for Washington, DC, on Monday, July 27, highlighting the growing importance of regional security following weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking before boarding his flight from Nevatim Air Base in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel, Netanyahu described the visit as both "a great privilege" and "a great responsibility."

"In these complex times, one must act with both great determination and great wisdom," he said, stressing that the discussions would focus on safeguarding Israel's security while advancing broader regional stability.

Netanyahu said Iran would be at the top of the agenda when he meets Trump.

"We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, foremost among them Iran. Of course, our objective is to safeguard our security while also expanding the circle of peace around us," he said.

Meeting comes after regional escalation

The visit marks Netanyahu's seventh meeting with Trump since the US president began his second term and comes amid renewed concerns over Iran following recent military confrontations in the region.

The talks follow US strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliatory attacks on allied Arab and Gulf nations, developments that have further heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Netanyahu has consistently advocated a tougher stance on Iran and has repeatedly questioned the sincerity of Tehran's participation in nuclear negotiations.

His latest comments suggest that coordinating policy on Iran will remain a central objective of the Washington meeting.

While security is expected to dominate the discussions, Netanyahu also indicated that the two leaders would explore ways to strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and its regional partners as part of broader efforts to expand the "circle of peace."

Lindsey Graham's funeral on Netanyahu's itinerary

In addition to his White House meetings, Netanyahu is scheduled to attend the funeral of the late Sen Lindsey Graham, whom he has described as "one of Israel's greatest friends."

Graham was widely regarded as one of Israel's strongest allies in the US Senate, and Netanyahu's attendance underscores the close ties they shared over the years.

The Washington visit is expected to provide a clearer picture of how the Trump administration and the Israeli government intend to approach Iran, regional security, and future diplomatic efforts in the months ahead.