United States President Donald Trump met privately on Thursday at the White House with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting focused on escalating tensions in Gaza and the upcoming nuclear negotiations with Iran, which are set to resume Sunday in Oman.

This high-level discussion comes at a critical moment in Middle East diplomacy. Just days earlier, Trump announced a ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, a move that reportedly surprised Israeli officials. One official noted that they were caught off guard and only learned of the ceasefire through television reports.

The White House meeting aimed to clarify the U.S. stance and coordinate strategies ahead of Trump’s upcoming diplomatic tour of the Middle East. Next week, Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of efforts to strengthen alliances and address regional security concerns. Notably, the trip itinerary does not include a stop in Israel, raising questions among analysts about the current dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations.

Iran’s nuclear program remains a pressing issue, with the resumption of talks in Oman seen as a pivotal opportunity to address longstanding disputes. Israeli leaders have expressed deep concerns over potential concessions to Tehran and have emphasized the need for vigilance in any new agreements.

Trump’s recent diplomatic maneuvers highlight a complex balancing act as the administration navigates relationships with both Arab allies and Israel, while seeking to manage rising tensions in Gaza and broader regional instability.