U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to increase economic pressure on Iran, according to a report by Axios citing two American officials. The agreement was reached during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, officials said. A senior U.S. official stated that both leaders concurred on applying maximum pressure against Iran, particularly targeting its oil sales to China.

However, the two leaders reportedly differ on how to achieve this goal. Netanyahu told Trump that a reliable agreement with Iran was impossible and would likely be violated, while Trump maintained that reaching a deal with Tehran was still possible. Officials added that Washington would continue efforts to exert maximum pressure on Iran alongside nuclear discussions and a strengthened military presence in the Middle East, leaving open the option of military action if diplomacy fails.

The report noted that over 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports go to China, meaning a reduction in Chinese purchases could significantly intensify Tehran’s economic strain.