Trump Signals More Time for Iran Talks After Closed-Door Meeting With Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Wednesday night that negotiations with Iran will continue, even as he warned of potential military action if talks fail. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social following a three-hour closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump described the talks as “very good” and reaffirmed the “wonderful relationship” between the United States and Israel.

“Nothing definitive was achieved except my insistence that negotiations with Iran continue to see if a deal can be reached,” Trump wrote. “If that happens, I will make it clear to the Prime Minister that this is the priority. If it doesn’t happen, we will have to see what the outcome is.”

Explicit Warning to Tehran

Trump referenced last year’s U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan during the so-called “12-Day War,” warning that failure to reach an agreement could trigger renewed military action.

“Last time Iran decided it was better for them not to make a deal, and they got ‘Midnight Hammer’ — it didn’t work out well for them,” Trump wrote. “I hope this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”

At the same time, Trump emphasized progress in Gaza and broader regional developments, concluding: “There is truly peace in the Middle East.”

The message appeared calibrated to balance deterrence with diplomacy: extending negotiations while signaling that the military option remains on the table.

Netanyahu Pushes Red Lines

The White House meeting was held in the Cabinet Room rather than the Oval Office and lasted nearly three hours. It took place without media access, unlike previous encounters between the two leaders.

According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu sought to ensure that Israel’s “red lines” are reflected in any agreement with Tehran. These reportedly include not only curbs on Iran’s nuclear program but also strict limitations on ballistic missiles and Tehran’s regional proxy network.

Netanyahu is also said to have presented intelligence assessments regarding Iran’s missile capabilities and internal repression, arguing that Tehran continues to execute anti-regime protesters despite previous assurances.

The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement: “The Prime Minister emphasized Israel’s security needs in the context of the negotiations, and the two agreed to continue close coordination.”

Pentagon Prepares Military Reinforcement

Almost simultaneously with the end of the meeting, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is preparing to deploy an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. According to the report, the order could be issued within hours, though final approval has not yet been given.

An aircraft carrier strike group departing from the U.S. East Coast could arrive in the region within two weeks. The USS Lincoln and accompanying vessels are already operating in the area.

Defense officials have framed the moves as precautionary, reinforcing Trump’s dual-track approach of extending negotiations while strengthening military readiness.

Israeli Assessment: Confrontation May Be Inevitable

Senior Israeli sources say Netanyahu believes a military confrontation with Iran may ultimately be unavoidable, despite the ongoing talks.

People who have spoken with the prime minister describe his assessment as a matter of “when, not if,” citing what they view as Tehran’s lack of flexibility. Iranian officials, for their part, have described U.S. demands as tantamount to surrender.

Iran marked the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution this week with mass rallies across the country. Images circulated on Iranian media showed symbolic displays including the burning of U.S. and Israeli flags and mock coffins bearing the images of American generals, including CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

Cooper recently joined discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Oman and later accompanied U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner aboard the USS Lincoln.

Regional Diplomacy Intensifies

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded after the Trump-Netanyahu meeting, saying Tehran prefers diplomacy but will defend its sovereignty “whatever the cost.” He expressed hope for “a year of peace and tranquility — in which dialogue prevails over war.”

Meanwhile, senior Iranian official Ali Larijani has visited Muscat and Doha in recent days, seeking to strengthen diplomatic channels. Oman, Qatar and Turkey are reportedly working to persuade Washington to prioritize negotiations over military escalation.

These efforts stand in contrast to Israel’s position, which is urging firm enforcement of U.S. demands and preparing for the possibility that talks may collapse.

All Options Remain on the Table

Trump’s public comments leave considerable ambiguity. While he extended space for negotiations, he coupled that extension with a clear warning: failure to reach an agreement could lead to force.

Whether Netanyahu succeeded in shaping Washington’s negotiating posture remains unclear. For now, the administration appears committed to diplomacy — backed by a visible buildup of military assets in the region.

The coming weeks may determine whether the current track leads to a renewed agreement — or to confrontation.