Mar-a-Lago Diplomacy: Trump Pushes Ukraine Peace Deal While Netanyahu Presses For Action On Iran, Gaza
President Trump is using his Mar-a-Lago property, in Palm Beach, Florida, as a hub for high-stakes diplomatic talks over the holidays.
Standing next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump warned that the U.S. would back new Israeli strikes if Iran continues rebuilding its nuclear or ballistic missile programs. The day before, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the U.S.-backed 20-point peace plan to end the nearly four year war.
ON IRAN
Netanyahu is reportedly pressing for renewed action against Iran, about six months after a 12-day war ended in June.
Israeli airstrikes in June targeted Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities. The U.S. also joined in striking multiple Iranian nuclear sites.
According to an analysis published last month by the Institute for Science and International Security, Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities remain “severely damaged or destroyed."
However, Iran is now doubling down on its ballistic missile program, as it realized it can do significant damage in Israel if they are able to overwhelm the country's air defense systems.
Iran reportedly conducted missile tests recently, though Iran’s state broadcaster denied the claims. The Associated Press reported that Iran was rebuilding missile-production sites in September, citing satellite imagery.
Trump and Netanyahu also discussed next steps in Gaza, including reconstruction and the remains of a final hostage, months after a ceasefire that began in October following two years of war.
RUSSIA TO REBUILD?
Trump said he had a “productive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Russia’s role in postwar reconstruction in Ukraine before he met with Zelensky. The two spoke by phone for the second straight day Monday, with Trump saying there still are “a few very thorny issues.”
“Russia’s going to be helping,” Trump claimed Sunday. “Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed ...including supplying energy, electricity, and other things at very low prices. A lot of good things came out of that call today.”
Zelensky raised his eyebrows as Trump spoke about his call with Putin.
Trump said he and Zelensky agree on most of the proposed peace deal but are still hammering out the details, including on security guarantees.
Putin has not yet agreed to the 20-point plan. Land concessions remain a divisive issue between Russia and Ukraine.