WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Wednesday emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations with Iran, while warning that refusal to reach a deal could prompt renewed military action, in a post-meeting statement following a lengthy White House session with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Trump said no definitive agreement was reached during the roughly two-and-a-half-hour meeting, but he made clear that diplomacy remained his preference. “If [a deal] can [be consummated], that will be a preference,” he noted, while cautioning Tehran about the June 2025 “Midnight Hammer” strikes he previously authorized against Iranian nuclear facilities. “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal… that did not work well for them,” Trump stated, urging Iran to act “more reasonable and responsible” this time.
🚨🇺🇸🇮🇱Summary of Trump-Netanyahu meeting today:
1. The most significant outcome was President Trump’s public confirmation that he is restraining Israel’s desire for military action in favor of continuing the diplomatic track.
The Directive: Trump stated on Truth Social that he… https://t.co/rJKVxTDJG5 pic.twitter.com/ZFYtOZn2Jm
— Geopolitics Monitor (@GeopoliticsMon) February 12, 2026
Netanyahu, who advanced his Washington visit by a week to influence US-Iran policy, outlined Israel’s vision for negotiations, though Trump did not adopt the Israeli premier’s maximalist stance. The meeting marks the seventh high-level engagement between the two leaders since Trump’s second term began, reflecting Israel’s persistent efforts to shape Washington’s regional approach.
Core disputes between the US and Iran remain unresolved, including Iran’s demand for sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear restrictions and Washington’s insistence on halting uranium enrichment and removing highly enriched uranium from Iranian territory. The two sides held indirect talks last Friday in Muscat, with further rounds expected.
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Trump also noted discussions with Netanyahu on developments in Gaza and broader regional progress, underscoring continued strategic alignment between the Trump administration and Israel even as Washington signals openness to diplomacy with Tehran