Trump and Netanyahu Stress Continued Dialogue on Iran Nuclear Talks

Fri Feb 13 2026 00:48:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent meeting at the White House, Donald Trump emphasized the necessity of ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding their nuclear program while expressing a willingness to take action if discussions fail.

During a three-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump insisted on the importance of continuing talks with Iran concerning their nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu is expected to advocate for a more stringent deal that addresses Iran's ballistic missiles and support for militant groups. This meeting occurs amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and comes at a time when the US is enhancing its military presence in the region. Iran, in turn, has signaled readiness to limit its nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief.

US President Donald Trump said he insisted talks with Iran continue during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but warned he may take action against Tehran if a nuclear deal is not reached.

The leaders met at the White House as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and negotiations intensify over curbing Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu was expected to press Trump to pursue a deal that would not only halt Iran's uranium enrichment but also cut its ballistic missile programme and support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iran has suggested it is ready to limit its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief, but has rejected other demands.

Ahead of the White House meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned his country would 'not yield to their excessive demands'.

Netanyahu's visit marks his sixth trip to the US since Trump's return to office - more than any other world leader.

The leaders spoke for nearly three hours in an unusually low-key meeting in which Netanyahu was brought in through a side entrance, out of view of the cameras. Trump did not hold a press conference with him afterwards.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the meeting had been 'very good'.

'There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a deal can be consummated,' he said.

He added a deal was his 'preference', but if one could not be reached 'we will just have to see what the outcome will be'.

Netanyahu's office said the leaders had discussed 'the security needs of the State of Israel in the context of the negotiations' and agreed to continue their 'close coordination and relationship'.

A close Trump ally, Netanyahu has long argued that Iran represents an existential security threat to Israel and has pushed the US to curb Tehran's influence in the region.

Trump withdrew the US from an Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran in his first term and reinstated sanctions that have severely strained its economy. The administration restarted talks last year to reach a new deal before the war between Israel and Iran.

Despite heightened rhetoric, former US officials suggest that Trump may wish to avoid direct military conflict with Iran leading into an election year.