Trump meets with Netanyahu as U.S. pushes for peace and trade deals

President Donald Trump met late Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump met late Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing hope that the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran could be a stepping stone toward a lasting peace in the region.

“I hope it’s over, yeah,” President Trump said. “I think Iran wants to meet. I think they want to make peace.”

The high-level meeting comes as international negotiators work to end the 21-month war in Gaza. While Hamas continues to demand a full end to the conflict in exchange for releasing remaining hostages, Israel maintains its goal of fully eliminating Hamas. Despite these tensions, President Trump remained optimistic.

“I don’t think there’s a hold-up. I think things are going along very well,” he told reporters.

At the same time, the White House is ramping up pressure on international trade partners. Letters were sent Monday to 14 countries outlining steep tariff hikes, including 25% duties on imports from key allies South Korea and Japan. Tariffs on goods from Laos and Myanmar could climb as high as 40%.

The president described the letters as a “more or less final offer,” but left room for continued negotiation. “Look, we’re always subject to negotiate something that’s fair,” he said.

Tariff increases that had been on pause for 90 days are now scheduled to take effect August 1. Still, President Trump suggested that timeline could shift. “I would say firm, but not 100% firm,” he noted.

Following the announcement, U.S. stocks dipped, reflecting investor concern over potential trade disruptions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tried to calm markets, stating that the administration is seeing strong interest in forging new deals.

“My mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” Bessent said.