Washington signals diplomacy first but keeps strike option ready as Israel demands security guarantees.
US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 11 in Washington for a three-hour discussion focused heavily on Iran, Gaza, and broader regional developments.
Trump made clear that he prefers continued negotiations with Tehran — even if a final agreement is not immediately secured. “If it can happen, that would be the preference,” he said, while warning that failure to reach a deal would lead to “very tough” consequences.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister stressed Israel’s security requirements in any future agreement. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination as diplomatic efforts move forward.
US Vice President JD Vance reinforced the administration’s dual-track message, warning that “another option is on the table” if Iran refuses to abandon ambitions for nuclear weapons.
Talks between Washington and Tehran resumed earlier this month in Muscat, Oman, marking the first direct engagement in months. Iran described the opening round as a “good start,” while voicing skepticism about US intentions and warning against what it called Netanyahu’s “destructive” influence on negotiations.
Trump has expressed hope for a “great deal,” but emphasized that military action remains a possibility if diplomacy collapses. The coming weeks are expected to determine whether negotiations can contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions or push the region toward escalation.
