
Netanyahu Arrives In Washington | Trump: Iran Would Be Foolish Not To Make A Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Tuesday evening local time for a high-stakes visit that will include a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, as tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program once again take center stage.
Shortly after landing, Netanyahu went to Blair House, where he met with Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussion focused on developments in the region, including the latest diplomatic efforts involving Tehran. Witkoff and Kushner briefed the prime minister on the initial round of negotiations they conducted with Iranian officials last Friday.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Washington time (6:00 p.m. Israel time). The upcoming session will mark their seventh meeting since Trump began his second term in office, and the sixth time they have convened at the White House. Their most recent encounter took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
As Netanyahu prepared for his talks, Trump spoke publicly about Iran in an interview with Fox Business Network, expressing confidence that Tehran is inclined to negotiate over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He cautioned that failing to do so would be a serious miscalculation.
“We have a massive flotilla right now going over to Iran. I think they want to make a deal. I think they would be foolish if they didn’t. We took out their nuclear power last time and we’ll have to see if we take out more this time,” said the President.
“They want to make a deal. They wouldn’t talk to anybody else, but they’re talking to me,” he continued. “Obama and Biden, what they did in terms of creating a monster with Iran was terrible.”
.@POTUS: We have a massive flotilla right now going over to Iran. I think they want to make a deal. I think they would be foolish if they didn't. We took out their nuclear power last time and we'll have to see if we take out more this time… pic.twitter.com/q1G8qMvmHm
— Department of State (@StateDept) February 10, 2026
In separate remarks to Channel 12 News earlier in the day, Trump made clear that military options remain on the table should negotiations collapse. Referring to actions taken roughly six months ago, he indicated he would not hesitate to respond again if diplomacy fails.
Trump reiterated that his preference is for a negotiated settlement but underscored that the United States is prepared to act if necessary. “The Iranians very much want to reach a deal. Either we make a deal, or we will have to do something very tough – like last time,” he said.
At the same time, Trump revealed that he is weighing the possibility of reinforcing American naval forces in the region. “We have an armada there, and maybe another one on the way,” the President added.
According to Trump, his meeting with Netanyahu will center largely on the Iranian issue. He also stated that the Israeli prime minister is not feeling pressured by the renewed talks but shares an interest in securing a strong agreement. “I don’t think Netanyahu is pressured by the talks with Iran. He also wants a deal. He wants a good deal.”
{Matzav.com}