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US President Trump Seeks Progress on Iran Talks

by: Amin Guled | Thursday, 12 February 2026 12:23 EAT
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US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seen at the Israeli Knesset in October 2025 [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seen at the Israeli Knesset in October 2025 [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]
Washington (Diplomat.so) - U.S. President Donald Trump said he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that reaching a negotiated agreement with Iran remains Washington's "preferred option," following a three-hour meeting in the Oval Office that also left open the possibility of military action if diplomacy fails.
Speaking at the White House after the talks, Trump stressed that a deal would serve regional stability but warned of consequences if negotiations collapse. "The agreement with Iran is our preferred option if it can be achieved,” Trump said. "Failure of an agreement will not be in Iran’s interest. If it fails, we’ll see what happens.”

Referencing previous tensions with Tehran, Trump added, "The last time, Iran decided it was in its interest not to make a deal, and it received a midnight strike. That was not in its interest.” He did not specify the operation but said he hopes Iran will act "more rational and responsible” this time. Trump confirmed that no final agreement emerged from Wednesday’s discussions beyond his insistence on continuing negotiations.

Netanyahu, who arrived from Blair House under heightened security, reiterated Israel’s conditions. "Any agreement with Iran must have no expiration date and must prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons,” he said during public remarks.

Israel’s public broadcaster, Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, reported that Netanyahu is seeking to preserve Israel’s freedom to act independently against Iran, including potential military measures. A U.S. official separately told Axios that the military option remains on the table.

Trump described the meeting as "very good,” noting discussions on Gaza and broader regional developments. The absence of a breakthrough underscores ongoing differences between Washington’s diplomatic push and Israel’s emphasis on enforceable, permanent constraints on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

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