WASHINGTON, February 11, 2026 — Donald Trump revealed he’s still pursuing a diplomatic solution with Iran to prevent nuclear weapons development, following a three-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting, held as the U.S. increases its military presence in the Middle East, reportedly centered on differing strategies for containing Iran’s ambitions.
Netanyahu Urges Stronger Stance as Nuclear Talks Continue
The former president indicated a preference for continued negotiations, but left open the possibility of military action if a deal isn’t reached.
- Trump expressed a desire for a renewed nuclear agreement with Iran.
- Netanyahu reportedly advocated for a more forceful approach, including addressing Iran’s ballistic missile program.
- The U.S. has been bolstering its military presence in the Middle East amid stalled negotiations.
- Iran’s president denied seeking nuclear weapons but acknowledged past crackdowns on protesters.
What is the current status of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations? Talks between senior U.S. and Iranian envoys last week in Oman focused solely on Iran’s nuclear program, with Tehran stating its ballistic missile program and regional support networks were off the table for discussion.
Netanyahu’s sixth visit to the White House since Trump’s return to office concluded without any joint public statements. Trump announced the outcome of the meeting via a post on Truth Social. “There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” he wrote. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”
The U.S. military has significantly increased its forces in the Middle East, signaling a potential major strike against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and leadership. Trump this week suggested he was considering deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the region, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln already stationed there.
Differing Priorities Complicate Negotiations
Israel, however, is pushing for a broader agreement that would also limit Iran’s ballistic missile program and curtail its support for groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Before the trip, Netanyahu’s office stated he “believes that any negotiations must include limiting ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis.”
In his online post, Trump implied he was moderating Netanyahu’s demands while also warning that further military action could be a consequence if Iran doesn’t agree to a new nuclear deal. “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer – That did not work well for them,” Trump said, referencing strikes last June targeting Iranian enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow. “Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied his country was pursuing nuclear weapons, while acknowledging “great sorrow” following the authorities’ recent crackdown on protesters. Both the nuclear program and the crackdown were cited by Trump as justification for the U.S. military buildup in the region.
Pezeshkian stated Iran was open to negotiations regarding its nuclear program and “ready for any kind of verification” to demonstrate it isn’t seeking to build nuclear weapons. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable to inspect and verify Iran’s nuclear stockpile for months.
“The high wall of mistrust that the United States and Europe have created through their past statements and actions does not allow these talks to reach a conclusion,” Pezeshkian said. “At the same time, we are engaging with full determination in dialogue aimed at peace and stability in the region alongside our neighbouring countries.”
