• Trump and Netanyahu have held multiple discussions on Iran, with Trump pushing for continued nuclear negotiations despite Netanyahu's calls for a tougher stance.
  • The leaders disagree on prioritizing Iran's ballistic missile program in talks, with Netanyahu emphasizing its inclusion due to recent conflicts.
  • Recent diplomatic efforts in Oman and joint US-Israel military operations highlight a dual approach of talks and military pressure.

Recent Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Alignment

Former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have engaged in several high-level conversations in recent weeks, focusing heavily on Iran negotiations and regional security. According to people familiar with the matter, Trump told Netanyahu during a three-hour meeting at the White House on February 11, 2026, that "negotiations with Iran must continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated," while noting that if such a deal could be reached, it would be Trump's preference. This dialogue underscores a strategic alignment, with Trump describing their relationship as being "on the same wavelength," though differences persist on key issues.

Key Points of Disagreement and Negotiation Dynamics

Netanyahu's primary concern centers on Iran's ballistic missile program, which he has sought to include in any nuclear negotiations, reflecting Israel's experiences during its 12-day war with Iran in July 2025. In that conflict, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli territory, striking both military and civilian areas, a point Netanyahu has emphasized in talks. However, Trump has adopted a more phased approach, prioritizing nuclear program negotiations initially, with the possibility of expanding discussions to missiles and regional militant support only if a nuclear deal framework materializes. This divergence highlights the complexities in crafting a cohesive strategy, with Netanyahu pushing for immediate action on missiles while Trump favors incremental diplomacy.

Current Negotiation Status and Military Developments

Washington and Tehran restarted talks last week with a meeting in Oman, following previous negotiations that had been suspended after US strikes on Iran's atomic sites during Israel's war with Iran. Trump has maintained a dual strategy—pursuing diplomatic channels while hinting at potential military escalation, warning that he was "thinking" of sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran would "not yield to excessive demands" on its nuclear program but insisted his country was not seeking nuclear weapons. As of February 28, 2026, this tension escalated with a joint US-Israel military operation against Iran, where Netanyahu stated that "help has arrived" and urged Iranians to "take your destiny into your own hands," while Trump announced that US forces had begun "major combat operations." This move signals a shift toward more assertive measures, even as diplomatic efforts continue.

Additional Regional Issues and Broader Implications

Beyond Iran, Netanyahu and Trump have discussed Gaza ceasefire arrangements and West Bank concerns, with Netanyahu officially joining Trump's "Board of Peace," originally created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire but now positioned as a potential rival to the United Nations. However, tensions have emerged over Israeli measures to tighten control of the occupied West Bank by allowing settlers to buy land directly from Palestinian owners, which has drawn sharp international criticism. Efforts to reach Netanyahu's office for comment on these developments were unsuccessful, but sources indicate ongoing negotiations aim to balance security imperatives with diplomatic outreach. The interplay between these regional issues and the Iran strategy suggests a broader realignment in Middle East politics, with implications for global markets and geopolitical stability.