Washington and Tel Aviv Discuss Options for Confronting Tehran
The Israeli Prime Minister seeks to coordinate positions with Washington regarding Iran, reflecting growing shared concerns about developments in Iran's nuclear program and its potential implications
April 5, 2025, 10:42 pm

Washington and Tel Aviv Discuss Options for Confronting Tehran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to travel to Washington on Monday, April 7, where he is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss multiple topics, most prominently the Iranian nuclear file. The importance of this visit increases amid escalating tensions with Iran and shared concerns about its nuclear ambitions.

The news website "Axios" reported this information on Saturday, April 5, citing "four informed sources." These media leaks reflect both sides' eagerness to coordinate positions in facing increasing regional challenges.

According to the report, Netanyahu believes that the possibility of reaching a nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran is extremely slim, and wants to consult with Trump about striking Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomatic efforts fail. This approach raises questions about the extent of the US administration's readiness to pursue escalatory options against Tehran.

The report mentioned that the two sides will also discuss during the meeting the issue of tariffs imposed by the United States on Israel, in addition to the situation in Gaza. Discussion topics between the two sides are numerous amid the complexities of the regional scene and bilateral relations that have experienced some tensions recently.

The report adds that if this visit takes place as planned, Netanyahu would be the first foreign leader to meet US President Donald Trump face-to-face in an attempt to negotiate the cancellation of tariffs. This fact highlights the importance Tel Aviv places on its relationship with Washington, especially in light of the economic and security challenges it faces.

"Axios" clarified that this visit was originally scheduled for mid-April, but its sources indicated that the visit date might change due to upcoming judicial sessions in Israel related to the financial corruption case facing the Israeli Prime Minister. These internal developments cast a shadow over Netanyahu's external movements and his ability to focus on international files.

Regarding the Iranian file, the President of the United States has demanded reaching a new agreement with Iran that ensures Iran does not seek to acquire a nuclear weapon. This position represents a continuation of American policy rejecting Iran's possession of military nuclear capabilities.

Tehran has refused to engage in direct dialogue with the United States but has announced its readiness to continue talks through intermediaries. These hardline Iranian positions reflect the difficulty of reaching quick diplomatic solutions to the crisis.

In response to this course, US President Donald Trump stated on April 3, referring to Tehran's desire to use intermediaries, that circumstances have now changed. He said he believes Tehran has become willing to engage in direct dialogue with Washington and currently feels a state of weakness and exposure.

Trump also emphasized that if negotiations fail, Iran will face new tariffs and may be subject to the possibility of bombing.

For his part, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, ruled out the possibility of a military attack but promised a decisive and strong response should it occur.

Concurrently, the US Department of Defense has enhanced its military movements around Iran, especially at the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, and US military strikes continue against the Iranian-backed Houthis.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.