NextFin News - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Trump to discuss the evolving diplomatic landscape regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The visit, which was moved forward from its original February 18 date, comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. administration engages in indirect negotiations with Tehran. According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the primary objective of the meeting is to ensure that any potential agreement between the United States and Iran is not limited to nuclear enrichment but also addresses Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and its support for regional proxy groups.
The diplomatic activity follows a series of indirect talks held in Muscat, Oman, where U.S. representatives, including Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with Iranian officials. While U.S. President Trump described these discussions as "very good," the Israeli leadership remains skeptical. Reports from Al Jazeera suggest that a proposal involving a three-year halt on uranium enrichment and the export of highly enriched materials has been discussed, yet Iran has reportedly refused to include its missile arsenal in the negotiations. Netanyahu intends to present fresh intelligence to U.S. President Trump regarding Iranian technological advancements, arguing that a narrow deal would leave Israel vulnerable to the "Iranian axis."
The urgency of this meeting reflects a strategic divergence in how to handle the Iranian threat. Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, U.S. President Trump has maintained a dual-track policy: threatening the use of force while simultaneously seeking a landmark diplomatic deal. The presence of U.S. Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, at the recent Oman talks signals that the U.S. is leveraging its military posture—including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group—to extract concessions. However, Netanyahu fears that the administration might prioritize a swift "diplomatic victory" over the long-term security requirements of the Middle East.
From a geopolitical perspective, the shift in the meeting's date suggests that Israel is attempting to intervene before the U.S. and Iran reach a framework agreement. Data from regional security analysts indicates that Iran’s enrichment levels have remained a point of contention, but the integration of ballistic missile curbs into the talks represents a significant escalation in demands. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has echoed these sentiments, stating that any comprehensive resolution must address the totality of Iran’s destabilizing activities. For Netanyahu, the goal is to reinforce the "maximum pressure" doctrine that characterized U.S. President Trump’s first term, ensuring that economic sanctions remain a primary lever of influence.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the February 11 meeting will likely determine the trajectory of Middle Eastern stability for the remainder of 2026. If Netanyahu successfully convinces U.S. President Trump to adopt a more rigid stance on missiles and proxies, the likelihood of a quick deal with Tehran diminishes, potentially increasing the risk of regional friction. Conversely, if the U.S. administration proceeds with a nuclear-centric agreement, Israel may feel compelled to take independent action to safeguard its interests. The financial markets are already reacting to this uncertainty, with energy prices showing volatility as traders weigh the possibility of renewed sanctions against the potential for a de-escalation in the Persian Gulf.
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