Trump says Iran talks must continue following ‘very good’ meeting with Netanyahu

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a closed-door meeting focused heavily on the future of regional security. After the three-hour session, Trump described the talks as "very good" but admitted that "nothing definitive" agreement was reached regarding a resolution with Tehran. 

Trump noted in a Truth Social post that he remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic arrangement. “I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” he wrote. The President added that while a diplomatic outcome is his preference, he warned that if a deal cannot be reached, “we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”

Israel joins new Gaza Board of Peace

Shortly before the White House meeting, Netanyahu formally joined the Board of Peace at Blair House, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance. The board oversees the reconstruction and post-conflict efforts in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s entry follows a January charter signing in Davos, Switzerland, where 17 other nations from Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia initially joined the initiative. Despite earlier concerns about Qatar and Turkey's roles on the executive board, Netanyahu accepted Trump’s invitation to participate in the diplomatic effort. 

Trump warns Tehran of ‘Midnight Hammer’

During the discussions, Trump reportedly reminded Netanyahu of the "Midnight Hammer" mission, the June strikes by the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, noting that Iran's previous refusal to strike a deal, "did not work well for them."

The President expressed hope that Iranian leaders would be "more reasonable and responsible" this time around. He stressed that the current military buildup is meant to pressure Tehran while American envoys continue talks in Oman. Trump’s comments reflect a "binary" choice for Tehran: reach a diplomatic agreement or face further "very tough" military action. 

Naval ‘armada’ expands in Middle East

As diplomatic talks proceed, the United States is significantly expanding its military presence across key waterways. The fleet is currently led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy. Trump has also indicated he is considering the deployment of a second carrier strike group to intensify pressure on the Iranian regime.

Additional US naval assets, including the USS Roosevelt, USS McFaul, and USS Spruance, are deployed across the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean. France and Germany were invited to join the Board of Peace, but Poland and Italy officially declined on Wednesday, amid ongoing regional tensions that remain high.