After Meeting with Netanyahu, Trump Calls for Continued Iran Nuclear Negotiations

US President Donald Trump revealed he urged the continuation of negotiations with Iran during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, February 11. The meeting took place as diplomatic efforts to address Tehran’s nuclear program gain momentum. Commenting on the closed-door discussions, Trump characterized the talks as productive but noted that no final agreement had been reached. He reiterated his commitment to diplomacy, stating that he advocated for ongoing negotiations to determine if a deal could ultimately be achieved. Writing on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution but issued a cautious warning that the situation could escalate if an agreement proves unattainable. This visit marked Netanyahu’s sixth trip to the United States since Trump returned to office, occurring at a time of heightened regional tensions and increasing scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu, who has consistently described Iran as an existential threat to Israel, is believed to have pressed Trump to pursue a more comprehensive agreement. Such a deal would extend beyond nuclear enrichment limits to address Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement highlighting Israel’s security concerns. The statement underscored that any potential agreement must address Iran’s missile capabilities as well as its influence in regional disputes. Iran, meanwhile, has signaled some willingness to curtail parts of its nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief but remains resolute in rejecting demands related to its missile development and support for allied regional factions. In a public address prior to the Washington talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Tehran would not submit to what he described as excessive international demands. During a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Pezeshkian affirmed that Iran is open to verification processes and reiterated that the country is not aiming to develop nuclear weapons. However, he maintained that Iran would resist external pressure on other fronts. Before his meeting with Trump, Netanyahu also held discussions with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. The pair reportedly provided an update on preliminary talks held with Iranian officials the previous week. This renewed diplomatic push coincides with an expansion of the U.S. military presence in the region. Trump has repeatedly cautioned Iran about potential military action should negotiations falter, even mentioning the possibility of deploying an additional aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. Last month, the USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed amid rising tensions. Observers point out that Israel is concerned Washington may prioritize achieving an expedited deal over addressing critical regional security issues. Georgetown University professor Daniel Byman noted that some in Israel fear key concerns such as Iran’s missile program and support for proxy forces might not receive the focus they require during these negotiations. Additionally, political analysts speculate that Iran’s bargaining position may have been weakened in light of recent domestic unrest and last year’s joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting its military and nuclear infrastructure.