Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Expanded Iran Nuclear Talks

Israeli PM pushes for broader negotiations as both sides express cautious optimism

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss the prospect of new nuclear talks with Iran. While Trump said he believes Iran wants to make a deal, Netanyahu urged expanding the negotiations to include limits on Iran's ballistic missile program and support for militant groups. The visit comes after indirect talks were held between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, with both sides projecting cautious optimism about the potential for renewed negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

Why it matters

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu highlights the ongoing tensions and competing priorities between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Netanyahu has long pushed for a tougher stance against Iran, while the U.S. has at times sought a more diplomatic approach. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of nuclear negotiations with Iran and the stability of the Middle East.

The details

Trump said he believes Iran wants to make a deal, but insisted that any agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and limit its ballistic missile program. Netanyahu, meanwhile, urged expanding the talks to also address Iran's support for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The two leaders met after indirect talks were held between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about the potential for renewed negotiations. However, significant differences remain, with Iran insisting it will only accept limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

  • On February 11, 2026, President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met at the White House.
  • On February 7, 2026, indirect talks were held between the U.S. and Iran in Oman.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel.

Abbas Araghchi

The Foreign Minister of Iran.

Steve Witkoff

A special envoy appointed by President Trump.

Jared Kushner

President Trump's son-in-law and senior advisor.

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What they’re saying

“We'll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal. I think they'd be foolish if they didn't. We took out their nuclear power last time, and we'll have to see if we take out more this time.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Fox Business Network)

“I will present to the president our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations — the essential principles which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East.”

— Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (Remarks before leaving Israel)

“The level of mistrust between the two longtime adversaries remains a 'serious challenge facing the negotiations.'”

— Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran (Remarks)

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 Trump and Netanyahu highlights the ongoing tensions and competing priorities between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of nuclear negotiations with Iran and the stability of the Middle East.