President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to intensify their joint “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, including targeting Tehran’s oil exports to China, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12.

The understanding was reached during the leaders’ meeting at the White House earlier this week, where they discussed ways to tighten economic and diplomatic pressure on Tehran amid renewed uncertainty over its nuclear ambitions.

“We agreed to go full force with the maximum pressure policy against Iran, such as everything concerning the sale of Iranian oil to China,” a U.S. official told Channel 12.

The official added that the administration remains skeptical about Tehran’s intentions in ongoing talks.

“We are open-eyed and realistic about the Iranians. The ball is in their court. If there is no real deal, we won’t agree,” the official said.

At the center of the latest discussions was Iran’s ability to continue exporting oil — particularly to China — despite Western sanctions. U.S. and Israeli officials have long argued that enforcement gaps have allowed Tehran to sustain critical revenue streams. Clamping down on those exports, officials believe, could significantly increase leverage ahead of any potential diplomatic breakthrough.

According to Channel 12, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the prospects of reaching a new nuclear agreement. Netanyahu reportedly expressed deep skepticism that any deal could restrain Iran’s nuclear activities.

“It’s impossible to do a deal with Iran. Even if you sign a deal with Iran, they won’t respect it,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying.

Trump, while cautious, signaled greater openness to exploring negotiations.

“I think there is a chance to reach a deal. We’ll look into it and give it a chance,” he reportedly replied.

The report also cites input from Trump confidants Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been involved in recent diplomatic efforts. According to Channel 12, the two advisers told Trump that Iranian negotiators are “saying all the right things” in talks, but emphasized the need to maintain a hardline posture.

“They will continue with the negotiations and take a tough line,” they reportedly told the president. “If they agree to what we’re asking, we’ll give you the option, and you’ll decide.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)