According to a detailed reconstruction by The New York Times, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a direct appeal to President Trump during his visit to the Oval Office on February 11, emphasizing that the U.S. should not allow diplomatic efforts to inhibit plans for an attack on Iran. The article draws on anonymous sources from both Israel and the U.S., revealing that Netanyahu had been advocating for a decisive military strike against what he perceived as a weakened Iranian regime for several months prior to this meeting. Reports indicate that Netanyahu specifically requested support for attacking Iranian missile facilities during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025.

Before meeting in the Oval Office, both the U.S. and Israel purportedly engaged in secret discussions regarding a potential military offensive against Iran. This occurred concurrently with the Trump administration's negotiations with Iranian officials concerning the future of the nation’s nuclear program. The New York Times report suggests that Netanyahu aimed to ensure that these diplomatic talks did not undermine Israel’s military planning, reflecting a complex interplay between diplomacy and military strategy in their mutual efforts.

The implications of this situation are significant not only for U.S.-Israeli relations but also for the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. The ongoing tensions with Iran, coupled with varying approaches to diplomacy and military action, raise concerns about potential escalations in conflict. The revelation of Netanyahu's pressure on Trump adds a new layer to our understanding of the decisions leading to U.S. and Israeli military strategies in the region, with global implications that extend beyond immediate military engagements.