First US-Israel Talks Since War with Iran Began: Trump Corrects Netanyahu Face-to-Face, 'I Am Number One'

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived in the United States on the 28th (Tuesday) to attend the memorial service for the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. This marks his first visit to the U.S. since the outbreak of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, during which President Trump held a closed-door meeting with him at the White House.

According to reports from the Associated Press and The Times of Israel, during the meeting held ahead of the memorial, Netanyahu praised Graham as Israel's 'number one friend.' Trump immediately corrected him, saying, 'I am Israel's number one friend; Lindsey is second.'

The meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes. Afterward, Netanyahu described it as one of the 'best conversations' he has ever had with Trump, characterizing it as a dialogue 'built on full partnership, mutual support, and shared consensus on common goals—including ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.'

The White House described the talks as 'positive and constructive.'

Senior officials accompanying Netanyahu said the atmosphere was positive, with both sides discussing multiple regional issues across all fronts. The focus was on Iran, reaffirming their joint commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and exchanging views on strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance and expanding cooperation opportunities in the Middle East.

Tzipi Hotovely, Israel's Prime Minister Office spokesperson for public diplomacy, said the meeting was noteworthy, with comprehensive coordination achieved between both sides. Iran's nuclear ambitions and coordination between Washington and Jerusalem were the central topics.

She also clarified that the meeting did not include discussions on the Natanz underground nuclear facility, known as 'Golgatha,' and dismissed reports that Israel had presented intelligence on the site to the U.S. as 'completely false.'