Trump Insists on Continuing U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks During White House Meeting with Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump held a lengthy private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during which he emphasized the need to keep negotiations with Iran ongoing in pursuit of a nuclear agreement.

The two leaders conferred for over two hours behind closed doors. Netanyahu departed without addressing the press, but Trump later shared details on his social media platform, describing the session as “a very good meeting.” He noted that no final decisions were made, except for his clear insistence that talks with Iran must persist to determine if a deal is achievable.

“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference,” Trump wrote. “If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.” He referenced past events, stating that Iran had previously opted against a deal and faced U.S. military strikes as a result, expressing hope that Tehran would adopt a more cooperative stance this time.

The meeting marked the seventh encounter between the two leaders during Trump’s second term. It followed indirect U.S.-Iran discussions in Oman on February 6, 2026, which both sides have described with cautious optimism regarding renewed efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.

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In a separate interview with Fox Business Network on February 10, Trump stressed the importance of securing a strong agreement that prohibits Iran from developing nuclear weapons or advancing its missile capabilities. He warned that failure to reach terms could lead to further action, recalling previous U.S. strikes that he claimed had severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Netanyahu, ahead of his visit, indicated he would urge the inclusion of stricter conditions in any negotiations, particularly limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its backing of militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. His office highlighted these as vital for Israel’s security and broader regional stability.

The discussions also touched on developments in Gaza and the wider Middle East, with Trump noting “tremendous progress” in the region. He referenced upcoming activities of his Board of Peace, initially established to oversee a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire but now expanding to address other international issues.

The talks occur against the backdrop of Iran’s recovery from a 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025, which included U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. While Trump described those actions as having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, recent satellite imagery suggests ongoing activity at affected sites.