Netanyahu to Meet Trump on Turkey, Iran, and ICC Issues

• Apr 07, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on April 7 to discuss a range of pressing regional and international issues, including the state of Israel-Turkey relations.

Netanyahu is scheduled to depart for Washington on April 6 following an official invitation from Trump, according to a statement released by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office on April 5. The visit marks a significant diplomatic moment, as Netanyahu will be the first leader to meet Trump following the imposition of new global tariffs by the former U.S. President.

The meeting is expected to cover a broad agenda. Among the key topics are efforts to secure the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, concerns over Iran’s growing regional influence, the Trump administration’s tariff policies, and opposition to actions by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement emphasized Netanyahu’s appreciation for what it described as a “warm and personal relationship” with Trump.

This trip follows Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary on April 3, where he met with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The meeting in Budapest comes amid increased regional tension, particularly involving Iran and its neighbors.

On April 6, Reuters quoted an unnamed Iranian official who said that Tehran was rejecting U.S. pressure to choose between nuclear negotiations or facing a bombing campaign. Iran also reportedly warned several neighboring countries—including Turkey, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain—that they would be considered hostile if they allowed the U.S. to use their airspace or bases for a strike on Iran.

Turkey’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of any formal warning from Iran, but acknowledged that such messages could be conveyed through alternative diplomatic channels. Iranian media recently reported that Kuwait had reassured Tehran it would not permit U.S. forces to use its territory for military action against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the country’s armed forces to go on high alert following Trump’s threats. Though direct bombing is not currently expected, the possibility remains open depending on how the ongoing debate over direct versus indirect nuclear talks unfolds.

Israel continues to monitor Iran closely, particularly its remaining influence in Iraq and Yemen, while targeting Iranian assets in Syria and Lebanon after the collapse of the Assad regime in December.