Trump and Netanyahu Discussed All Options Including Military Force to Address Iran's Nuclear Program

During a White House meeting on July 28, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed diplomatic, economic, and military options—including a massive strike—to address Iran's nuclear program. While Israeli officials deny pressuring Trump to escalate, regional hostilities continue to expand. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Iran targeted U.S. bases in Jordan, and global oil prices experienced a sharp spike on July 29, 2026.

Trump-Netanyahu White House meeting

• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on July 28, 2026.
• ▪A senior Israeli official denied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed U.S. President Donald Trump to escalate militarily against Iran.

Iran nuclear program options

• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump voiced irritation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to their meeting because details had surfaced publicly about Netanyahu's plans to discuss new intelligence on Pickaxe Mountain.
• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed three options to curb Iran's nuclear program: a negotiated deal, continuing the blockade and economic pressures, and a massive strike.

U.S-Iran military escalation

• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to attack Iran for firing on U.S. troops days after he halted air strikes.
• ▪The United States and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq on July 29, 2026.

Oil price spike

• ▪Oil prices shot up on July 29, 2026, in one of the sharpest spikes since the war began on February 28, 2026.
• ▪A senior Israeli official acknowledged that rising inflation and public frustration have rattled Iran's clerical rulers, but noted that the impact on the global economy and oil markets remains a consideration.

Regional conflict expansion

• ▪Israel did not participate in the two-week U.S. bombing campaign in July 2026, but warned Tehran it would respond forcefully if attacked.
• ▪Iran confirmed overnight that it had fired on U.S. bases in Jordan and at ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and rejected an Omani proposal to jointly manage the strait.

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