Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump on February 11, 2026. The meeting, which took place in a climate of increasing tensions over Iran's military capabilities, was anticipated to center on Netanyahu's push for a tougher stance from the US regarding negotiations with Iran. This comes as Israel remains concerned about Iran's missile arsenal and its potential threats to regional security, apart from the ongoing debates surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

During the meeting, Netanyahu was expected to advocate for stronger American pressure on Iran to extend discussions beyond just the nuclear program, aiming for limitations on Teheran's missile stockpile and other security threats. This urgency in Netanyahu's approach underscores Israel's fears regarding Iran's strategic military developments, which they believe could destabilize the region and pose direct risks to Israel's national security.

Conversely, Iran has indicated a firm stance, stating it would primarily negotiate with the US regarding its nuclear capabilities, expressing willingness to dilute its enriched uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief. This complex backdrop of diplomatic negotiations highlights the challenging waters that both countries must navigate in their foreign relations, and the resultant implications for regional security dynamics and alliances.