Trump tells Netanyahu he favors diplomacy but threatens Iran with military force

US President Donald Trump held a roughly two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday, after which he said no concrete agreement was reached but he made clear his preference for continued diplomacy with Iran—backed by an explicit military threat.

Diplomacy first, but force remains on table

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: "There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the prime minister know that will be a preference." He added a stark warning, reminding Tehran of the June 2025 "Midnight Hammer" strikes he authorized against Iranian nuclear facilities. "Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal... That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible," Trump said.

Netanyahu's influence agenda

Netanyahu, who moved his Washington visit forward by a week specifically to shape the trajectory of US-Iran talks, had stated before departing that he would present Israel's "vision for the principles of the negotiations." While Trump's remarks suggest he did not fully adopt Netanyahu's expected maximalist stance, the Israeli premier's success in securing another high-profile meeting—the seventh since Trump's second term began—underscores his persistent efforts to steer US policy toward a hard line on Tehran.

Core disputes remain unresolved

The US and Iran held their first indirect talks in eight months last Friday in Muscat, with another round expected. Key sticking points persist: Iran demands sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear restrictions and refuses to discuss its missile program or regional influence; Washington insists on a complete halt to enrichment and the removal of highly enriched uranium from Iranian territory, while also seeking to expand the scope of negotiations. Tensions remain elevated, with a significant US military buildup in the Persian Gulf.

Gaza and regional matters

Trump noted that the two leaders also discussed "the tremendous progress being made in Gaza, and the region in general." No further details were provided. The meeting reaffirms the close strategic alignment between the Trump administration and Netanyahu's government, even as Washington publicly signals openness to a diplomatic track with Tehran.