Washington: Ahead of the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, all the action was taking place at the White House, where US President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of two key allies-Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both leaders met separately with Trump on Tuesday, with each meeting lasting more than an hour. Zelenskyy and Netanyahu described their respective sessions as "positive."

According to TRTworld.com, Zelenskyy praised the "good meeting" with Trump, where they discussed licenses to produce Patriot air-defense interceptors and ways to revive talks with Russia to end the ongoing conflict on European soil. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of diplomacy and expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two nations to protect Ukrainian lives and advance peace.

Security was exceptionally tight around the White House as pro-Palestine protesters gathered to voice their opposition to Netanyahu's presence. The streets surrounding the residence were closed to vehicular traffic, allowing only pedestrians. The protests aimed to highlight grievances against Netanyahu, labeling him a "war criminal" and demanding the "full return of Palestine to Palestinian sovereignty."

It was Netanyahu's first in-person meeting with Trump since the US-Israeli war on Iran began earlier this year. A senior source in Netanyahu's delegation described the meeting as "extremely positive" and focused on key issues, particularly Iran. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Both Netanyahu and Zelenskyy are attending Graham's funeral, a prominent advocate for supporting Israel and Ukraine. Graham, who passed away suddenly, was known for his interventionist stance in global politics and support for both nations amid their ongoing conflicts.

After Graham's funeral, Zelenskyy is expected to engage with US senators on a bipartisan sanctions package against Russia-legislation that Graham had been advancing before his death.

Despite recent friction, Netanyahu described his meeting with Trump as "excellent," emphasizing mutual support and shared goals, notably concerning Iran's nuclear capabilities. Relations between the two leaders had been strained during previous ceasefire talks with Iran, but the recent meeting appeared to restore a sense of partnership and coordination on security matters.