U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ongoing negotiations with Iran during a closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week. While emphasizing a preference for diplomatic solutions, Trump acknowledged that expanded military deployments in the Middle East remain under consideration should talks falter.
In a Truth Social post dated February 11, 2026, Trump stated: "Negotiations with Iran continue to see whether a Deal can be consummated. If it can, that will be a preference. If not, we will see what the outcome will be." The remarks followed a three-hour discussion focused on Iran's nuclear program and regional security concerns.
Israeli officials confirmed their government seeks binding restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile development and demands Tehran sever ties with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. "No nuclear weapons, no missiles," Trump reiterated during a Fox Business Network interview, underscoring Washington's baseline requirements.
Despite public optimism, sources familiar with the talks reveal persistent skepticism from both nations about reaching a comprehensive agreement. U.S. and Israeli officials reportedly discussed coordinated military contingency plans, with analysts suggesting joint action could carry greater strategic weight than unilateral measures.
Iran maintains its nuclear program remains peaceful, with President Masoud Pezeshkian recently declaring during anniversary celebrations: "A wall of distrust from the West obstructs negotiations, but we will not yield to aggression." The country continues developing defensive missile capabilities it deems non-negotiable.
As diplomatic efforts proceed through Omani-mediated channels, the Pentagon prepares potential reinforcements to regional forces. The USS George H.W. Bush strike group remains on standby, though no deployment orders have been finalized.
