as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and negotiations intensify over curbing Iran's nuclear weapons programme. Netanyahu is expected to press Trump to pursue a deal that would not only halt Iran's uranium enrichment, but also cut its ballistic missile programme and support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. "I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations," he said before leaving for the US. Iran has suggested it is ready to limit its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, but it has rejected the other demands. Ahead of the White House meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that his country would "not yield to their excessive demands".

Netanyahu's visit on Wednesday marks his sixth trip to the US since Trump's return to office - more than any other world leader. A close Trump ally, Netanyahu has long argued that Iran represents an existential security threat to Israel and has pushed the US to curb Tehran's influence in the region. "The prime minister believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis," Netanyahu's office said in a statement ahead of his trip. After arriving in Washington on Tuesday, Netanyahu met Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The pair "provided an update on the first round of negotiations they held with Iran last Friday", according to the prime minister's office. Netanyahu's visit comes as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East, with Trump warning Tehran of strikes if it fails to reach a deal on its nuclear programme and to stop killing protesters. On Tuesday, the president said that he was "thinking" about sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group was sent to the region last month after Trump threatened to strike Iran to stop a government crackdown on mass protests in which thousands of people were killed. "We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going," Trump said in an interview with Axios. He said Iran "wants to make a deal very badly", adding that a diplomatic solution remained possible. (BBC)