US President Donald Trump affirmed today (Wednesday) a decisive stance during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, stressing his explicit desire to continue the diplomatic track and talks with Iran with the aim of reaching a new agreement, despite the well-known Israeli reservations regarding this issue.

Details of the meeting and adherence to the diplomatic option

In remarks following the closed-door meeting, President Trump clarified that no final decisions were reached regarding future dealings, except for one crucial point: his insistence on continuing negotiations. Describing the meeting's outcome, Trump said, "Nothing final was reached except that I insisted on continuing negotiations with Iran to see if an agreement is possible." The US president indicated that he had made it clear to Netanyahu directly that "reaching an agreement, if possible, would be his preferred option," reflecting the US administration's desire to exhaust all diplomatic avenues before resorting to other escalation options.

General context and background of strained relations

This announcement comes at a sensitive time for the Middle East, as all eyes turn to Washington to see what US foreign policy toward Tehran will look like. The relationship between the United States and Iran has long been characterized by ebbs and flows, particularly regarding the nuclear issue. Observers believe that Trump's insistence on negotiations reflects a strategy aimed at achieving a "grand bargain" that safeguards US interests and curbs Iranian nuclear ambitions through a binding agreement, rather than relying solely on a policy of maximum pressure or direct military confrontation that could plunge the region into unpredictable chaos.

The Israeli position and regional influences

On the other hand, this American stance poses a challenge to the vision of the Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, which has long questioned the usefulness of talks with Tehran, believing that the Iranian regime is merely using the time to develop its nuclear capabilities. Historically, Israel has pushed for stricter sanctions and brandished the threat of military action. However, Trump's insistence on negotiations puts US-Israeli relations to the test of coordination, as Washington seeks to reassure its strategic ally that any potential agreement will address Tel Aviv's security concerns.

Regionally and internationally, this approach carries important messages for the Gulf states and global energy markets, as continued negotiations could contribute to reducing tensions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, positively impacting the stability of oil supplies and the global economy. The question remains, however, regarding Tehran's flexibility in dealing with American conditions and Washington's ability to formulate an agreement that satisfies its allies in the region and achieves lasting security.

In a significant media and political event, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper will broadcast this evening, Wednesday, February 11, an exclusive and lengthy interview with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen, Dr. Shaya Mohsen Al-Zindani. This interview, conducted by Saudi journalist Bader Al-Qahtani, a specialist in Yemeni affairs, aims to clarify the Yemeni government's vision for the priorities of the current phase, amidst local and regional anticipation for the Prime Minister's answers and the clarifications he will provide on sensitive issues.

Critical timing and complex issues

This interview is of exceptional importance given the delicate circumstances Yemen is facing, where economic and service-related issues are intertwined with security and political challenges. Dr. Al-Zindani's remarks come at a time when Yemeni and international circles are eager to understand the government's new approach to addressing the devaluation of the national currency, the weakness of basic services, and the urgent need to restore citizens' trust in state institutions. The meeting is expected to provide an in-depth analysis of the government's mechanisms for advancing economic recovery, which is considered the cornerstone of the country's stability at this stage.

Meeting topics: From services to diplomacy

In a special episode of "Al Sharq Al Awsat Podcast," recorded at Al Sharq TV studios at the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) headquarters in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, the discussion covers key topics including:

• Improving basic services: The government has urgent plans to provide electricity, water and health services to citizens.
• Institutional reform: Enhancing the efficiency of government institutions and raising the level of coordination between different state agencies to ensure smooth workflow.
• The political and diplomatic track: Discussing Yemen’s diplomatic presence in international forums and the prospects for a comprehensive political solution.

Governance and standards for government formation

During the interview, the Prime Minister addressed, with transparency, the general principles governing the formation of the government, highlighting the mechanisms for selecting ministerial portfolios that ensure efficiency and balance. The discussion also focused on the priorities of the immediate phase related to activating governance and accountability mechanisms—essential steps to guarantee transparency and combat corruption, thus paving the way for restoring the effectiveness of sovereign and service-oriented state institutions.

Security, stability, and relief challenges

On the security front, Dr. Al-Zindani addressed security matters, military coordination, and efforts to establish stability in the liberated governorates, in addition to the general direction of foreign policy. The meeting also touched on the humanitarian aspect, with the Prime Minister discussing the significant humanitarian challenges facing the Yemeni people and ways to facilitate the delivery of aid to those in need, given the current complexities on the ground.