President Trump met privately with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for roughly three hours, later stating he insisted diplomacy with Iran continue while warning that outcomes remain uncertain.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded a lengthy, closed-door meeting at the White House on Wednesday, with no press availability before or after the session and no formal joint statement released immediately following the talks.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted about three hours, focused heavily on ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and the possibility of future military action. Afterward, Trump addressed the Iran issue in a Truth Social post, stating that no final resolution had been reached but emphasizing his preference for continued diplomacy.
“I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue,” Trump wrote. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”
Netanyahu had been widely expected to advocate for a more forceful U.S. posture toward Tehran. Israeli officials have repeatedly argued that negotiations allow Iran additional time to advance its nuclear program and expand missile capabilities, and Israeli leadership has at times described diplomacy as ineffective. However, Trump signaled he is prepared to pursue talks further rather than immediately escalate militarily.
Reports have indicated that, at least for now, Trump has not ordered the deployment of an additional U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, a move that would signal preparation for potential large-scale action. Still, military posture could shift quickly. According to reporting that plans could change on a dime, the Pentagon has told a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare for possible deployment.
As detailed in the report, “The Pentagon has told a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to deploy to the Middle East as the U.S. military readies for a potential attack on Iran, according to three U.S. officials.” It further noted that Trump said Tuesday he was weighing sending another carrier to the region if negotiations fail. Officials cautioned that no formal deployment order has yet been issued and that plans remain subject to change. The second carrier would join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already operating in the region.
Ahead of his departure for Washington, Netanyahu highlighted the frequency of his engagements with Trump since the president’s return to office.
“I am now leaving for the United States for my seventh trip to meet with President Trump since he was elected for a second term,” Netanyahu said. “This, of course, does not include his unforgettable visit to Israel and his speech in the Knesset.”
Originally scheduled for February 18, the meeting was moved up following renewed U.S.-Iran talks held in Oman. Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu stated that Iran would be the “first and foremost” topic of discussion.
“I will present the president with our views regarding the essential principles of the negotiations – principles that, in our eyes, are vital not only for Israel but for anyone in the world who desires peace and security in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said.
Israel is urging the United States to require zero nuclear enrichment and strict limitations on Iran’s ballistic missile program in any agreement. Iranian officials have rejected such terms.
An Israeli source told CNN that Tel Aviv is “worried about Iran’s progress in restoring its ballistic missile stockpiles and capabilities to its status before the 12-Day War.”
Iranian officials have also responded publicly to the diplomatic developments. According to coverage noting the timing, Tehran resumed talks with Washington in Oman last week and warned Monday of “destructive influences” on diplomacy ahead of Netanyahu’s visit. On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country would “not yield to excessive demands” regarding its nuclear program, while maintaining that Iran is not seeking an atomic weapon.
Upon arriving in Washington Tuesday evening, Netanyahu met with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner to discuss regional matters and receive updates on the Oman-mediated negotiations. A second round of talks is expected next week.
While Trump has continued to reference the potential deployment of an additional carrier strike group to the Central Command region, no final decision has been announced. The trajectory of negotiations, and any military response if talks collapse, remains unresolved.
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