Trump, Netanyahu Hold ‘Very Good Meeting’ at White House, Focus on Iran Talks and Gaza Situation

Washington, Feb 2026 : US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House as “very good,” with the two leaders holding wide-ranging discussions on negotiations with Iran, the evolving situation in Gaza, and broader developments in the Middle East.

Speaking after the Oval Office meeting, Trump underlined the strength of the US-Israel relationship and said both sides had reaffirmed close coordination on key regional challenges. “I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his representatives. It was a very good meeting. The tremendous relationship between our two countries continues,” Trump said.

The meeting marked Netanyahu’s fifth visit to the White House since Trump began his second term, highlighting the ongoing strategic engagement between Washington and Tel Aviv. While Trump said no final decisions were taken during the talks, he stressed that diplomacy with Iran remains the preferred course for the United States.

“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a deal can be consummated,” Trump said. He added that he had made clear to the Israeli leader that a negotiated agreement would be his preference. “If it can be done, that will be the preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” he noted.

Referring to previous confrontations with Tehran, Trump recalled the consequences Iran faced after earlier negotiations failed. “Last time, Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer. That did not work well for them,” he said, expressing hope that Iranian leaders would adopt a more pragmatic approach this time. “Hopefully, this time they will be more reasonable and responsible,” Trump added.

Beyond Iran, the leaders also discussed Gaza and regional stability. Trump struck an optimistic tone, claiming progress on multiple fronts. “Additionally, we discussed the tremendous progress being made in Gaza and the region in general. There is truly peace in the Middle East,” he said, without offering further details.

Netanyahu had earlier indicated that Iran would be at the top of the agenda during his Washington visit. Before departing Israel, he said the discussions would cover Gaza and regional issues, but emphasized that negotiations with Tehran were the primary focus. “On this trip, we will discuss a series of issues: Gaza, the region, but first and foremost, the negotiations with Iran,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister also said he intended to clearly convey Israel’s position on any prospective agreement. “I will present to the President our outlook regarding the principles of these negotiations — the essential principles, which, in my opinion, are important not only to Israel, but to everyone around the world who wants peace and security in the Middle East,” he stated.

In an earlier statement, Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s long-standing concerns, noting that any negotiations with Iran must go beyond nuclear issues. “The Prime Minister believes any negotiations must include limitations on ballistic missiles and a halting of the support for the Iranian axis,” the statement said, reflecting Israel’s insistence that Tehran’s regional activities be addressed alongside its nuclear programme.

The high-level meeting comes shortly after US officials held indirect talks with Iranian negotiators in Oman last week, aimed at reviving momentum toward a nuclear agreement. Trump, in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, said Tehran appeared eager to reach an understanding. “The Iranians really want to make a deal. Either we make a deal, or we have to do something very tough like last time,” he said.

According to US officials, additional rounds of negotiations are expected later this week. However, Iran has maintained firm red lines, stating it will not negotiate beyond its nuclear activities and will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium.

The timing of the meeting is also significant as it precedes the first session of the newly formed Board of Peace, scheduled for February 19. The body is intended to oversee the implementation of a reconstruction plan for Gaza following months of conflict.

The Trump administration previously brokered a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, under a 20-point peace plan agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. While the ceasefire has brought a measure of calm, long-term stability remains uncertain.

Netanyahu, 76, a veteran leader who has served multiple terms as Israel’s prime minister, continues to lead a coalition government. He has consistently argued that any agreement with Iran must address not only its nuclear ambitions but also its missile programme and regional influence — a stance that has shaped Israeli policy across successive US administrations.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)