On July 7, 2025, Washington and Jerusalem signed an Agreement.
After de-escalating the recent Iran crisis, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are entering into a new phase of diplomatic and military coordination, focused on rebuilding alliances, recalibrating threats, and planning what both leaders have described as a long-term containment strategy.
What started off as an explosive standoff between Iran’s drone attacks against U.S. assets in the Gulf and Israeli strikes against Iranian military infrastructure has now transformed into an open but tense diplomatic window, leaving both Trump and Netanyahu grappling with how best to leverage their respective strategic advantages into lasting regional influence without reinciting conflict.
Israel’s Retaliations against Iran: A Fragile Pause
Last month saw the crisis reach its pinnacle when Israel launched preemptive strikes against multiple Revolutionary Guard installations and cyberattacks against Iran’s air defense grid, prompting Iran to respond with missile barrages against U.S. bases in Iraq and cyber intrusions against Israeli banks while simultaneously refraining from full-scale war.
Washington and Tel Aviv have reconvened to negotiate following Oman and Switzerland’s ceasefire signals, with Washington making its offer.
President Trump stated at a joint press conference recently, that they have successfully stopped Iran for now; but, this is no time to relax our efforts in terms of coordination, deterrence, and defense.
Netanyahu Looks for Firm U.S. Support on Northern Front With public support swelled following the crisis, Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing Washington for an expanded U.S.-Israeli joint security pact targeting Hezbollah missile infrastructure in Lebanon and Iranian-linked agents in Syria.
Israeli officials want intelligence-sharing and satellite reconnaissance expanded. “Iran may be quieter now, but its proxy forces remain active,” an Israeli defense official told local media. “We need American assistance in neutralizing any new wave before it begins.”
Priorities Shared after Crisis
At the forefront of any post-crisis agenda are three pillars: Missiles, Sanctions and Gulf Ties.
Missile Defense: Israel is seeking additional U.S. funding for its Iron Beam laser system and swift deployment of upgraded Patriot and THAAD batteries across Negev and northern Galilee.
Sanctions Enforcement: President Trump is pushing for new sanctions targeting Iran’s remaining financial allies, such as entities in Turkey, Malaysia, and Venezuela. It is anticipated that Treasury may announce their “Black List 3.0” sometime within next week.
Arab Normalization: With Iran now under control, both leaders are renewing normalization discussions with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Trump’s envoys have even hinted at creating an “Abraham Accords Plus” framework, possibly connecting defense guarantees with diplomatic recognition for Israel.
Under Pressure and Political Risks
Yet domestic dynamics could thwart this agenda. Donald Trump faces legal questions over his pre-crisis drone deployments in the Gulf while Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition faces internal strain over settlements and rising living costs.
Analysts caution of a new conflict with Iran’s proxy forces could result in backlash both internationally and domestically. “The risk of overreach is real,” according to Shira Bar-Lev, senior analyst from Tel Aviv University. Publics from both nations are tired of war despite having leaders prepared for battle.
Conclusion: From Firestorm to Chessboard
Now that the dust of conflict has settled, Trump and Netanyahu must navigate a more delicate terrain of regional diplomacy, deterrence and domestic scrutiny. Over the next weeks we can expect high-level visits between defense ministers, intelligence briefings as well as new trilateral meetings between their allies in Gulf nations.
As one U.S. State Department official noted: “Missiles may no longer be flying, but the real battle – one over influence and control- looms large ahead.