White House meetings are expected to focus on the Iran conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, regional security, and efforts to revive diplomatic initiatives.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold separate high-level meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday, as conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine enter a critical phase.
Netanyahu and Zelensky are in Washington to attend a memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican ally who strongly supported military assistance to Ukraine. However, global attention has shifted to their meetings with Trump, where discussions are expected to center on escalating regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky is expected to seek additional US support for Ukraine’s air defenses, including Patriot missile interceptors, while also discussing expanded military cooperation and proposals related to licensed production of Patriot systems. Ukrainian officials say strengthening missile defense remains their highest priority as Russian missile and drone attacks continue.
The White House said Trump’s discussions with Zelensky will focus on the Russia-Ukraine peace process, with the administration maintaining that renewed diplomatic efforts are needed to end the war.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu arrives amid reports of growing differences between Washington and Jerusalem over the handling of Iran. Trump has previously indicated that he paused US airstrikes to allow diplomacy more time following the collapse of a ceasefire connected to the Iran conflict.
According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu’s agenda includes Iran’s regional activities, security cooperation, expanding the Abraham Accords, and strengthening ties with Arab states. The White House is also expected to discuss tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and broader Middle East stability.
Saudi Arabia’s potential participation in the Abraham Accords remains under discussion, although Riyadh continues to insist that any normalization with Israel must include a credible pathway toward Palestinian statehood.
Ahead of the meetings, Trump described Netanyahu as a strong wartime leader and said the two leaders have worked effectively together despite recent reports of disagreements.
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