Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington to Discuss Iran Talks

Israeli PM seeks to address concerns over Iran's missile program and regional influence

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing and currently stalled negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program. The meeting comes after indirect talks between the US and Iran in Oman appeared to reach an impasse, returning the discussions to their starting point.

Why it matters

Netanyahu's office has stated that the Prime Minister believes any negotiations with Iran must include limitations on its ballistic missile program and an end to its support for militant groups in the region, often referred to as the 'Iranian axis.' This underscores Israel's long-held concerns about Iran's destabilizing influence in the Middle East.

The details

While President Trump described the recent talks in Oman as 'very good,' Iranian officials paint a different picture. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized a 'very, very deep distrust' stemming from past events, including alleged US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites during the previous Israel-Iran conflict. Araghchi also stated that Iran's missile program is 'never negotiable.' Araghchi signaled Iran's continued insistence on maintaining its uranium enrichment capabilities, even in the event of war, and criticized what he described as a 'doctrine of domination' that allows Israel to expand its military arsenal while pressuring other regional states to disarm.

  • The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who is seeking to address concerns over Iran's missile program and regional influence.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who will be meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing negotiations with Iran.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who has emphasized a 'very, very deep distrust' stemming from past events and stated that Iran's missile program is 'never negotiable.'

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What they’re saying

“There is a long way to go to build trust.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (newsy-today.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is expected to be a crucial step in determining the future direction of the Iran nuclear talks.

The takeaway

The ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program remain complex and fraught with mistrust, as both sides struggle to find common ground on issues such as ballistic missiles and regional influence. The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump will be closely watched for any signs of progress or further stagnation in the talks.