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Monday, Feb 16, 2026
Outside the box.
Trump Urges Continued Negotiations with Iran on Nuclear Programme After White House Meeting with Netanyahu
Following a strategic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump presses Tehran to engage constructively in renewed diplomatic talks while maintaining firm pressure
President Donald J. Trump used a high-level meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to pursuing a negotiated resolution to concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and to press Tehran to be “more reasonable and responsible” in nuclear talks.
The session, one of several between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office, also underscored the sustained security cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem amid persistent regional instability and diplomatic challenges.
Trump described the discussions as productive and reiterated that negotiations with Iran must continue as the United States seeks to secure a durable agreement after recent indirect talks in the Gulf region.
The White House meeting did not yield a definitive breakthrough on how the United States and Israel will jointly approach the next phase of Iran diplomacy, but Trump made clear his preference for a successful deal and stressed that continued engagement is preferable to escalation.
He publicly noted that in previous negotiations Tehran chose not to reach an agreement and faced robust consequences, emphasizing his hope that Iran will engage constructively this time.
Netanyahu pressed for a broader framework that also addresses Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for regional militant groups—issues of central importance to Israel’s long-term security strategy.
Trump’s remarks followed recent indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman, and ahead of further rounds of diplomacy expected in Geneva, where Iran’s top diplomat is reported to be travelling to continue negotiations.
Iranian officials have signalled cautious optimism about resuming talks but insist their nuclear programme remains peaceful.
Tehran remains resistant to linking its nuclear activities to limitations on its missile programme or regional policy, setting the stage for complex discussions.
The continuation of negotiations reflects Washington’s sustained diplomatic push even as it maintains a substantial military presence in the region.
The session, one of several between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office, also underscored the sustained security cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem amid persistent regional instability and diplomatic challenges.
Trump described the discussions as productive and reiterated that negotiations with Iran must continue as the United States seeks to secure a durable agreement after recent indirect talks in the Gulf region.
The White House meeting did not yield a definitive breakthrough on how the United States and Israel will jointly approach the next phase of Iran diplomacy, but Trump made clear his preference for a successful deal and stressed that continued engagement is preferable to escalation.
He publicly noted that in previous negotiations Tehran chose not to reach an agreement and faced robust consequences, emphasizing his hope that Iran will engage constructively this time.
Netanyahu pressed for a broader framework that also addresses Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its support for regional militant groups—issues of central importance to Israel’s long-term security strategy.
Trump’s remarks followed recent indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman, and ahead of further rounds of diplomacy expected in Geneva, where Iran’s top diplomat is reported to be travelling to continue negotiations.
Iranian officials have signalled cautious optimism about resuming talks but insist their nuclear programme remains peaceful.
Tehran remains resistant to linking its nuclear activities to limitations on its missile programme or regional policy, setting the stage for complex discussions.
The continuation of negotiations reflects Washington’s sustained diplomatic push even as it maintains a substantial military presence in the region.
