Netanyahu to Push Trump on Iran Missiles in White House Talks

Israeli leader rushes to Washington to discuss nuclear deal negotiations and regional issues with US president.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Netanyahu is expected to urge Trump to take a tougher stance on Iran's ballistic missile program, which was a major issue during the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran. The meeting comes as the US and Iran resume talks, with Trump warning he may send a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Tehran.

Why it matters

The talks between Netanyahu and Trump come at a critical juncture in the US-Iran nuclear negotiations. Israel has long pushed the US to take a harder line on Iran, and Netanyahu will likely use this meeting to try to stiffen Trump's resolve on issues like Iran's missile capabilities that were not part of the original nuclear deal. The meeting also comes amid growing international concern over Israel's moves to tighten control of the occupied West Bank.

The details

Netanyahu had been expected to come to Washington for a February 19 meeting, but reportedly brought forward his visit as the US-Iran talks proceeded. On Tuesday night, Netanyahu met with Trump's Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to discuss regional issues and the latest round of negotiations with Iran. Trump has said he is considering sending a second US aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to increase pressure on Iran, and has warned that any new nuclear deal must address Iran's missile program and support for regional militant groups.

  • The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:00 am local time (1600 GMT).
  • Netanyahu had been expected to come to Washington for a February 19 meeting, but reportedly brought forward his visit as the US-Iran talks proceeded.
  • Netanyahu met with Trump's Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday night, February 10, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel who is visiting Washington to discuss the nuclear negotiations with Iran and other regional issues with President Trump.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran and other regional matters.

Steve Witkoff

One of Trump's Middle East envoys who met with Netanyahu on Tuesday night to discuss the latest round of negotiations with Iran.

Jared Kushner

One of Trump's Middle East envoys who met with Netanyahu on Tuesday night to discuss the latest round of negotiations with Iran.

Isaac Herzog

The President of Israel who expressed hope that the talks between Netanyahu and Trump would help fight Iran's "empire of evil."

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What they’re saying

“Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time. We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”

— Donald Trump (Axios)

“It's got to be a good deal. They've been very dishonest with us over the years.”

— Donald Trump (Fox Business)

“I will present to the president our views regarding the principles for the negotiations.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Video statement)

“I hoped the talks would help fight Iran's 'empire of evil.'”

— Isaac Herzog, President of Israel (During a visit to Australia)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This meeting between Netanyahu and Trump highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as Israel's concerns about Iran's missile capabilities and regional influence. The talks will be closely watched to see if they result in a tougher US stance towards Iran in the nuclear negotiations.