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Thursday, Feb 12, 2026
Outside the box.
Netanyahu and Trump Focus on Iran Nuclear Talks and Gaza Strategy During Washington Meeting
Israeli prime minister advances core security priorities with U.S. president amid delicate regional diplomacy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Washington this week for a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, with discussions centred on negotiations with Iran and the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip.
The visit, moved forward from its original schedule, reflects deep coordination between the two allied governments at a critical moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Netanyahu explicitly said he would present Israel’s position on the nuclear talks with Tehran, emphasizing that any agreement must address not only Iran’s nuclear programme but also its ballistic missile development and backing for armed proxy groups.
The Israeli leader described these principles as vital not only for Israel’s security but for regional stability more broadly.
President Trump, in private remarks following the meeting, reiterated his insistence that negotiations with Iran continue and indicated a preference for achieving a comprehensive deal, while warning of consequences should diplomacy falter.
The two leaders also explored aspects of Trump’s emerging Gaza peace initiative, which includes plans for an international “Board of Peace” aimed at stabilizing the enclave and advancing post-conflict reconstruction.
The talks come as Washington and Tehran have held indirect nuclear discussions, producing cautious optimism but no definitive agreement.
U.S. officials have signalled that any deal should include constraints on ballistic missiles and support for militant groups, aligning with Israel’s concerns.
Trump has maintained that diplomatic engagement remains preferable but has not ruled out reinforcing military capabilities in the region if negotiations do not yield results.
Netanyahu’s visit marks his seventh trip to the United States during Trump’s second term and underscores the sustained strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Washington.
The meeting positions Israel to contribute directly to shaping U.S. policy on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader peace process in Gaza, even as careful deliberation continues among all parties involved.
The visit, moved forward from its original schedule, reflects deep coordination between the two allied governments at a critical moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Netanyahu explicitly said he would present Israel’s position on the nuclear talks with Tehran, emphasizing that any agreement must address not only Iran’s nuclear programme but also its ballistic missile development and backing for armed proxy groups.
The Israeli leader described these principles as vital not only for Israel’s security but for regional stability more broadly.
President Trump, in private remarks following the meeting, reiterated his insistence that negotiations with Iran continue and indicated a preference for achieving a comprehensive deal, while warning of consequences should diplomacy falter.
The two leaders also explored aspects of Trump’s emerging Gaza peace initiative, which includes plans for an international “Board of Peace” aimed at stabilizing the enclave and advancing post-conflict reconstruction.
The talks come as Washington and Tehran have held indirect nuclear discussions, producing cautious optimism but no definitive agreement.
U.S. officials have signalled that any deal should include constraints on ballistic missiles and support for militant groups, aligning with Israel’s concerns.
Trump has maintained that diplomatic engagement remains preferable but has not ruled out reinforcing military capabilities in the region if negotiations do not yield results.
Netanyahu’s visit marks his seventh trip to the United States during Trump’s second term and underscores the sustained strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Washington.
The meeting positions Israel to contribute directly to shaping U.S. policy on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader peace process in Gaza, even as careful deliberation continues among all parties involved.
