President Donald Trump has warned Iran of potential consequences while calling for continued negotiations following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 11, following what he described as a “very good meeting,” Trump underscored the strength of U.S.-Israel ties while signalling that diplomacy with Tehran is his preferred path — but not the only option.
“I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” Trump said. “If it can, that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”
The nearly three-hour meeting, held at the White House’s Oval Office, marked Netanyahu’s seventh engagement with Trump since the president returned to office nearly 13 months ago. The Israeli prime minister’s SUV was seen leaving the White House at 1:48 p.m. ET.
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Ahead of the talks, Netanyahu sought to influence the next round of U.S. discussions with Iran following nuclear negotiations in Oman last Friday, reportedly pressing Trump to widen the scope to include Tehran’s missile arsenal and other security threats beyond its nuclear program.
In media interviews, Trump had previously reiterated his warnings to Iran. Speaking to Fox Business, he said a “good deal” would mean “no nuclear weapons, no missiles,” and told Axios he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier strike group to the region as part of a U.S. military buildup near Iran.
Trump warns Iran
Trump in statement following the Netanyahu meeting also referenced the “Midnight Hammer”, the June 2025 U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He warned that Iran could face serious consequences for rejecting a deal.
“Last time Iran decided they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them,” he said. “Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”
The U.S. President further confirmed that discussions with Netanyahu covered Iran negotiations, regional security, and ongoing developments in Gaza, framing diplomacy as the preferred path but making clear that military options remain on the table.
He emphasized that the relationship between the United States and Israel remains “tremendously strong,” describing the talks with Netanyahu and his delegation as constructive and forward-looking.
Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at Blair House where he signed Israel’s accession as a member of the “Board of Peace,” reaffirming in a statement later the “unbreakable alliance” between the two countries.
Ahead of my meeting at the White House with President Trump, I signed Israel’s accession as a member of the “Board of Peace.” We will continue strengthening the unbreakable alliance between Israel and the United States.
Iran’s president apologizes to public over protest crackdown
As the U.S. and Israel discussed Iran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly addressed recent domestic unrest, apologizing to the Iranian people for the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.
Also Read: Netanyahu Rushes to U.S to Block Trump–Iran Talks with Seven Demands
At least 6,490 protesters have reportedly been killed since demonstrations erupted in late December, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Iranian authorities blamed foreign-linked “terrorists” for the unrest.
Meanwhile, Iran has expressed willingness to discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions but has ruled out linking the issue to its missile capabilities.
Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, reiterated on Wednesday that “The Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities are non-negotiable.”
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