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President Donald Trump confirmed the United States will begin direct talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program, while warning of severe consequences if Iran refuses cooperation.

Trump made the announcement during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. He shared that a crucial session is scheduled for Saturday but withheld specific details, including the location and participants.

“We start discussions with Iran on Saturday. It’s a significant meeting. We’ll see the outcome,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing that a diplomatic solution remains preferable to military action.

Diplomatic Push Over Military Action

Trump reiterated his desire to avoid military options, noting that a peaceful resolution remains the best outcome for the United States, Israel, and the world. While Trump highlighted the significance of the upcoming talks, he also made it clear that the U.S. would not tolerate Iran’s refusal to cooperate.

Both the U.S. and Israel have expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Trump signaling that Washington’s commitment to a diplomatic solution should not be taken as a sign of weakness.

Netanyahu’s Trade Reform Pledge Amid Tariff Dispute

Prime Minister Netanyahu used the occasion to address growing concerns over the trade relationship between Israel and the United States. In particular, he vowed to act quickly to resolve the trade imbalance.

“We will act fast. Removing unnecessary trade barriers is our immediate goal,” Netanyahu declared during the White House meeting. He also criticized the 17% tariff the U.S. imposed on Israeli goods and urged other nations to follow Israel’s lead in reforming their trade relations with the U.S.

However, President Trump remained noncommittal about lifting tariffs on Israeli products. When questioned on the matter, Trump simply responded, “maybe not,” indicating his reluctance to make any promises regarding changes to U.S. tariff policy.

Trump Reminds of U.S. Financial Support to Israel

Trump did, however, remind reporters of the extensive financial support the U.S. provides to Israel, saying, “We help Israel a lot.” This remark underscored the ongoing importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship despite the tariff disagreement.

Hostage Crisis and Gaza: Talks Between Trump and Netanyahu

The discussion also included efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, with both leaders expressing optimism about a potential deal to free more captives. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to freeing all hostages and dismantling Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu also praised Trump’s plan to relocate displaced Palestinians while Gaza undergoes redevelopment. “This is a bold plan,” Netanyahu said, calling it a promising solution for the future of the region.

Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Over Netanyahu’s Policies

As the meeting took place in Washington, protests erupted in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s government policies, particularly targeting actions against Israel’s judiciary and security agencies.

Protesters voiced opposition to the government’s proposed judicial reforms, which they argued would undermine Israel’s democratic institutions. “We’re here to stop the destruction of our core institutions,” protester Menashe Yehezkel-Baum said.

Families of hostages and their supporters also urged President Trump to continue pushing for peace and to take steps to halt the ongoing violence in Gaza.

While Trump and Netanyahu have reaffirmed their commitment to finding solutions for the ongoing crises, the growing political tensions in both Israel and the Palestinian territories show no sign of easing. As both leaders face internal and international challenges, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the broader Middle East peace process.