Trump, Netanyahu Meet Again as Iran Talks Hang in the Balance

President Donald Trump wrapped up another White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday with few concrete outcomes — and a familiar message: diplomacy with Iran remains on the table, for now.

In a post following the closed-door talks, Trump described the exchange in upbeat terms but made clear that no final decisions had been reached.

“It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues,” Trump said of Israel.

“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated.”

The meeting marked the sixth time Trump has hosted Netanyahu in Washington since returning to office in January 2025. The two leaders have met seven times overall this term, including once in Israel — a level of contact that underscores how central the US-Israel relationship has been in Trump’s second presidency.

This latest visit came on the heels of indirect US-Iran talks in Oman, aimed at lowering the temperature after months of rising tensions. Those discussions were framed as an effort to prevent a broader military confrontation in the Middle East — something regional leaders have been keen to avoid.

Netanyahu, however, has consistently taken a harder line, calling for intensified pressure and, at times, military action against Tehran. The contrast in tone has been noticeable: while Arab states publicly advocate de-escalation, Israel continues to warn against what it sees as Iranian nuclear and regional ambitions.

Trump’s own posture sits somewhere between pressure and negotiation. He reiterated that he would prefer a deal, but the subtext was unmistakable.

“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference,” Trump said. “If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.”

That outcome has recent precedent. Last June, Trump aligned the US with Israel during a 12-day war with Iran that ended with American strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. The operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” followed the collapse of earlier diplomatic efforts.

“Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer,” Trump wrote. “That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”

Netanyahu’s office released only a brief statement after the meeting, noting discussions about Israel’s “security needs” and confirming that both sides agreed to “continued coordination and close ties”.

According to that statement, the agenda included “negotiations with Iran, Gaza and regional developments”.

The absence of a breakthrough may be the headline, but the rhythm of the diplomacy is telling. Trump appears determined to test whether Tehran is willing to concede before escalating further. Netanyahu, for his part, continues to press for vigilance — and possibly more forceful measures.