Netanyahu’s US Visit: A Key Chance Amid Israel-Iran Conflict!

Following a tumultuous period characterized by an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump is poised to wield diplomatic influence during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the White House. Trump’s assertion that he aims “to stop wars” underscores the complexity of attaining peace amidst ongoing hostilities.

Ceasefire’s Fragile Foundation

The “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” proclaimed on June 23 was marred by immediate violations, raising questions about its longevity. As the dusty remnants of conflict loom, the international community watches and waits. A sustainable peace, however, necessitates a credible exit strategy, as evidenced by historical precedents.

Lessons from the Past

Iran’s past leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, famously decided to end the Iran-Iraq War by “drinking from the poison chalice,” suggesting that future clarity could justify difficult choices. Today, as Trump calls for “unconditional surrender” from Iran, a mutually satisfactory equilibrium may be within reach.

Advantages of De-escalation for All Parties

The continued military engagement poses grave risks for Iran, Israel, and the U.S. For Iran, failure to de-escalate could result in regime change, while Israel risks exhausting its military capital and diplomatic status. The U.S. is gripped by past conflicts, notably Iraq, wary of becoming mired in another protracted engagement.

Shifting Narratives

In this volatile environment, all three nations have begun marketing achievements that could serve as springboards for negotiations. Iran emphasizes its resilience against U.S. and Israeli aggression, proclaiming that even a targeted strike wouldn’t spell the end of its nuclear ambitions. Tehran’s claims of retaliatory capabilities, notably against U.S. bases, echo this defiance.

Gains for Israel

Meanwhile, Tehran’s foes, notably Israel, tout their successes in eliminating key Iranian figures and crippling nuclear production capabilities. From targeted airstrikes against critical sites to aggressive moves against Iranian proxies like Hezbollah, Israel has firmly established its military dominance in the region. Netanyahu’s brief but successful collaboration with the Trump administration has reinvigorated Israel’s strategic standing globally.

U.S. Positioning: A Return to Pax Americana

For the U.S., this moment marks a potential renaissance for its influence in the Middle East. Trump has positioned himself as a decisive actor in the conflict, claiming responsibility for the U.S.’s offensive capabilities against Iranian targets. With ongoing diplomatic channels to Iran, hopes remain that Washington can ensure stability while avoiding entanglement in military conflicts.

Challenges to Sustainable Peace

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the path to genuine tranquility is riddled with obstacles. With a gaping mistrust between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., solidifying mutual agreements on contentious issues such as enriched uranium and missile programs presents a formidable challenge. Lack of definitive markers could trigger further escalations, especially if social media rhetoric continues to amplify tensions.

Impending Nuclear Negotiations and Hostage Situations

This week’s events in Washington are pivotal. Netanyahu’s signals of support for a proposed sixty-day truce in Gaza place him at a crossroads. Trump’s push for a resolution may demand Netanyahu take bold action in the face of mounting pressure from within his coalition, which largely opposes any perceived softening on Hamas.

Navigating Political Minefields

Netanyahu must expertly traverse these treacherous waters, moving toward a resolution that promotes both political survival and a sustainable agreement regarding Iran. Enhancing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms will be essential, alongside clear terms for potential conflict cessation should negotiations falter.

Historically, maintaining peace offers opportunities for countries to recover and strive toward new imperatives. As the U.S. seeks to extricate itself from Middle Eastern entanglements, both Iran and Israel can focus on healing the devastation wrought by conflict. Failure to constructively engage could risk a resurgence of violence, jeopardizing the budding détente.

Shalom Lipner is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, following a lengthy tenure supporting various Israeli prime ministers. For updates and further analysis, follow him on Twitter: @ShalomLipner.

Further Reading

Image: FILE PHOTO: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement during a visit to the site of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which was hit by an Iranian missile barrage, in Rehovot, Israel, June 20, 2025. JACK GUEZ/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo