United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have solidified a strategy of “maximum pressure” against Iran, targeting the country’s vital oil exports to China, even as deep rifts emerge regarding the ultimate goal of the escalation.According to a report by Axios, the two leaders agreed during a White House meeting last week to intensify economic strangleholds on Iran. The strategy relies heavily on a recent executive order signed by Trump, which empowers the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on any nation conducting business with Iran – a direct threat to China, which currently buys more than 80 percent of Iranian crude.However, while the tactics align, the strategic endgame remains contested.Trump has expressed a willingness to cut a deal, reportedly telling Netanyahu, “Let’s give it a shot.” In contrast, the Israeli prime minister has privately argued with Trump that any agreement is futile, a stance analysts argue is designed to drag the US into a direct war with Tehran.Diplomatic gambleDespite the hawkish rhetoric, the Trump administration has kept the diplomatic channel open. On February 6, Oman hosted indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran. That same evening, President Trump announced that a new round of talks would be held.Now, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday for a second round of negotiations.The US proposal reportedly includes a suspension of uranium enrichment for three to five years and the removal of 450kg (992 pounds) of highly enriched uranium from the country, according to th …
