The U.S. news outlet Axios reported that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed during their meeting at the White House last Wednesday to intensify the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran by working to reduce its oil exports to China, according to U.S. officials cited by the website.
اضافة اعلان
China— which does not recognize U.S. sanctions— is the largest importer of Iranian oil, receiving more than 80% of Iran’s oil exports. Beijing and Tehran have also established a trade system largely based on the Chinese yuan and a network of intermediaries to avoid transactions in U.S. dollars and exposure to American regulators.
According to the U.S. officials quoted by Axios, increased economic pressure could push Iran to make broader concessions regarding its nuclear program. They indicated that such pressure would proceed in parallel with negotiations with Tehran and continued military reinforcement in the Middle East, in preparation for possible strikes should diplomatic efforts fail.
About ten days ago, Trump signed an executive order that could lead to imposing 25% tariffs on countries maintaining trade relations with Iran.
If implemented, such economic escalation could further complicate already tense relations between the United States and China, particularly as both countries await the outcome of a summit expected to bring together Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing next April.
Netanyahu: A Deal Is Impossible
According to Axios, Trump and Netanyahu agreed on the ultimate objective—preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon—but differed on how to achieve it.
U.S. officials cited by the outlet said Netanyahu told Trump that reaching a good deal would be impossible and that even if an agreement were signed, Iran would not adhere to it.
In contrast, Trump reportedly told Netanyahu he believes there is an opportunity to reach a deal with Iran, saying, “We’ll see if that’s possible. Let’s try.”
Trump’s Advisers: We Will Maintain a Tough Position
Axios also reported that Trump recently asked his advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner about the prospects of reaching an agreement with Iran.
According to a U.S. official, Witkoff and Kushner told the president that achieving a strong deal with Tehran would be difficult—if not impossible—given the historical context. However, they noted that Iranian officials have so far been “saying all the right things.”
The official added that both advisers assured Trump they would continue negotiations while maintaining a firm stance. If Iran agrees to a deal they deem satisfactory, it would be presented to the president for a final decision.
Preparations are reportedly underway for direct talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva next Tuesday, mediated by Oman, to address the nuclear file and de-escalation efforts.
On February 6, Oman hosted indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran. That same evening, Trump announced that new talks would be held “early” the following week, without specifying an exact date.
The United States and Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation. Iran maintains that Washington and Tel Aviv fabricate pretexts for potential military intervention and has warned it would respond to any attack, while demanding the lifting of Western economic sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program.
— Al Jazeera
