US and Israel set for Iran talks, as Tehran weighs response to Trump letter

The United States and Israel are planning to hold a strategic meeting on Iran's nuclear program, following the Trump administration's intensified "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. This meeting aims to further coordinate the positions of the US and Israel on the Iranian nuclear issue, addressing potential security threats and solidifying their alliance.

The Trump administration is attempting to reduce Iran's oil exports to China, the world's second-largest economy and Iran's largest crude oil customer. The US announced sanctions on Thursday against a refinery in China's Shandong province and ships supplying oil to Chinese factories linked to Yemen's Houthi rebels. These actions underscore the US commitment to curbing Iran's economic lifeline.

The Trump administration's target is the so-called "teapot refineries," small, private refining enterprises within China that process Iranian crude oil. State Department spokeswoman Tami Bruce said in a statement: "These sanctions are being implemented to enforce President Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign, aimed at reducing Iran's oil exports, including those to China, to zero." This strategy is intended to isolate Iran economically and diplomatically.

Bruce added, "China is the largest importer of Iranian oil," and claimed that Tehran uses these oil revenues to "fund attacks against US allies" and support "terrorism." Thursday marked the fourth round of sanctions imposed by Trump on China. Previously, Reuters had reported that the Chinese state-owned Shandong Port Group had decided to begin blocking tankers subject to US sanctions. These measures are designed to increase pressure on both Iran and China.

According to Axios, this sanctions action comes as Israel and the US prepare to hold a meeting to discuss Iran's nuclear program. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously met at the White House and discussed Iran. This particular working group was established during the Obama administration. The Trump administration has posed a different dilemma for Netanyahu, who strongly opposes any nuclear agreement. The timing of these events highlights the complex dynamics in the region.

In addition to sanctions, earlier this month, Israel and the US also held a joint air force exercise in the eastern Mediterranean, which included long-range bombers. Analysts believe that this exercise was widely seen as a signal of US preparedness for a potential strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities. At the same time, Trump has stated that he wants to reach a nuclear agreement. In March, he revealed that he had written to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei, requesting talks. The US continues to explore various avenues to address the Iranian nuclear issue.

Khamenei said in his annual televised address on Friday that US threats against his country "will not get them anywhere." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that the letter was "more like a threat," but also indicated that it seemed to offer an opportunity. Araghchi added that Tehran is weighing its response and will issue it in the coming days. Iran's leadership is carefully considering its options in the face of mounting pressure.

Next week, the US and Israel will hold a meeting in Washington, attended by Netanyahu's senior advisors, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi. Dermer holds an extremely hard-line stance on Iran, and a former US official told Middle East Eye that he was once banned from the White House by the Obama administration. Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will represent the US, along with officials from the State Department, the Pentagon, and the US intelligence community. This high-level meeting underscores the importance of the US-Israel alliance in addressing the Iranian nuclear issue.