At White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, three options were considered to halt Iran's nuclear program: diplomacy, economic pressure, and military strike. At the same time, attacks escalated on multiple fronts, and oil prices surged.
US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, to discuss halting Iran's nuclear program. According to a senior Israeli official, three options were considered: reaching an agreement with Tehran, continuing economic pressure and blockade, and a large-scale military strike. Trump himself threatened Iran with a 'very strong' response.
'We will hit them very hard, because it's our turn to strike them,' Trump said in one statement, adding in another: 'I can say that because there is very little they can do about it.' Both messages were reported by Telegram channels specializing in security topics.
The senior Israeli official, who wished to remain anonymous, said Netanyahu did not suggest that Israel favors a military attack, but that all three options remain on the table. 'Ultimately, it's his decision,' he said of Trump, emphasizing there are signs that Iran's leadership is shaken by rising inflation and public discontent, but that the consequences for the global economy and oil market must also be considered.
The same day, the conflict between the US and Iran escalated further. According to Novi list, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out attacks on pro-Iranian paramilitary groups in Iraq, while Iran confirmed it had targeted US bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also rejected an Omani proposal for joint management of that strategically vital waterway.
Airstrikes on Iran began as early as February 28, 2026, when Israel and the US launched joint operations. Israel did not participate in the latest two-week US bombing campaign this month, which prompted Iran to retaliate with strikes on US military bases, but warned it would respond forcefully if attacked.
Due to the escalation of the conflict, oil prices rose sharply on Wednesday, reflecting market concerns about supply.
