Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to discuss escalating tensions with Iran and the ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching a nuclear agreement. While the two leaders did not reach a definitive decision on a forward course of action, President Trump affirmed that talks with Tehran would continue to explore the possibility of a deal.
Netanyahu had been expected to press Trump to broaden the scope of diplomacy with Iran to include constraints on its ballistic missile arsenal, in addition to its nuclear program. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of considering Israel’s security interests, though there was no indication that the President offered the commitments sought by the Israeli leader.
The meeting, the seventh between Trump and Netanyahu since the President began his second term approximately 13 months ago, was intended to influence the next round of U.S. Talks with Iran following nuclear negotiations held in Oman last Friday amidst heightened regional tensions.
The visit to the White House was notably less public than previous engagements, lacking the customary joint press appearance. The two leaders convened for nearly three hours in a meeting described by Trump as “very good,” but without the announcement of any major decisions.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military strikes against Iran should a deal not be reached, while Tehran has vowed retaliation in the event of an attack, raising concerns about a potential wider regional conflict. Trump has consistently voiced his support for the security of Israel, a close U.S. Ally and staunch opponent of Iran.
In a series of media interviews on Tuesday, Trump reiterated his warning, stating that while he believes Iran desires an agreement, he intends to take “something very tough” if they refuse. He alluded to past military action, referencing the U.S. Strikes on Iranian sites in June 2025.
Following the meeting, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, stating, “No definitive decision was reached other than my insistence that negotiations with Iran continue to see if a deal can be struck.” He added, “If that can be done, I will tell the Prime Minister that would be a preferred option.”
Trump continued, “If that is not possible, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” referencing the previous U.S. Military action against Iranian nuclear sites after negotiations stalled in the past.
According to Trump, a good deal with Iran would mean “no weapons, no missiles,” without providing further details. He also indicated to Axios that he is considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group as part of the significant U.S. Military buildup near Iran.
Sources indicate that Israel is concerned the U.S. May pursue a limited nuclear agreement that does not include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program or an end to its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli officials have urged the U.S. Not to trust Iranian assurances.
Iran rejects these demands, stating that current negotiations focus solely on nuclear issues. Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated on Wednesday, “The Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable.”
A statement released by Netanyahu’s office following the meeting stated, “The Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s security needs in the context of the negotiations, and the two leaders agreed to continue close coordination and communication.”
Sources suggest the two leaders may have also discussed the possibility of military action should diplomacy between the U.S. And Iran fail.
Iran has indicated a willingness to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has ruled out linking this to its missile program.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which was also on the agenda. Trump is seeking to advance a ceasefire agreement that he helped broker, but progress has been hampered by disagreements over steps such as the disarmament of Hamas and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
The timing of Netanyahu’s visit, moved forward from February 18, coincided with the resumption of talks between the U.S. And Iran. Both sides affirmed after the Oman meeting that discussions were constructive and anticipated further talks soon.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated prior to the Oman talks that negotiations should address Iran’s missiles, its allied groups, and its treatment of Iranian citizens. Trump has been ambiguous about broadening the scope of negotiations.
The U.S. Joined Israel in conducting strikes on Iranian facilities, including nuclear sites, during a 12-day conflict last June. Israeli officials have stated that Iran is working to restore its capabilities following those strikes.
Trump previously threatened military intervention during a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran last year, but ultimately refrained from action.
Iran’s regional influence has diminished following the Israeli attack in June and losses suffered by its allies in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, as well as the ousting of its ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, Israel fears a resurgence of its adversaries following the multi-front war that erupted after the October 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.
While Trump and Netanyahu largely agree and the U.S. Remains Israel’s primary arms supplier, they appear to differ on a key issue: a potential Palestinian state. Trump has included the possibility of a Palestinian state as part of his Gaza plan, a concept long rejected by Netanyahu and Israel’s current right-wing coalition.
The Israeli cabinet authorized Netanyahu on Sunday to take steps that would facilitate land purchases for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, granting Israel broader powers over what Palestinians consider the foundation of their future state. This move drew international condemnation. Trump reiterated his opposition to the annexation of the West Bank on Tuesday.
