Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 8: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday, with negotiations involving Iran set to be a key focus of the discussions, Netanyahu’s office said on Saturday.

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States. Iranian and US officials recently held indirect nuclear talks in the Omani capital Muscat, with both sides indicating that further discussions are likely to take place soon.

According to a regional diplomat briefed by Tehran on the talks, Iran firmly maintained its “right to enrich uranium” during the negotiations with the US. The diplomat said that Iran’s missile capabilities were not discussed during the Muscat talks.

Iranian officials have consistently ruled out including the country’s missile programme—one of the largest in the Middle East—in any negotiations. Tehran has also reiterated that recognition of its right to enrich uranium remains a key demand.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli prime minister believes that any negotiations with Iran must go beyond the nuclear issue. “The Prime Minister believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and halting support for the Iranian axis,” the statement said.

The upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is being closely watched, amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.