Netanyahu to Trump: “Raise the Bar” on Iran

Washington D.C. | February 11, 2026

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for a high-stakes summit with President Trump, carrying a clear mandate: ensure the U.S. doesn’t settle for a “halfway” deal with Tehran. As the Trump administration engages in indirect talks with Iran via Omani intermediaries, Netanyahu moved his visit up to ensure Israel’s “red lines” are front and center before any signatures hit the page.

Israel’s Non-Negotiables

Netanyahu is expected to urge the President to look beyond nuclear centrifuges and address the broader “Iranian threat architecture.” His primary demands include:

• Beyond the Core: A total freeze on ballistic missile development.
• Dismantling Proxies: Cutting off the financial and military lifelines to Hezbollah and Hamas.
• The “Zero” Goal: Total cessation of uranium enrichment and the removal of all existing stockpiles from Iranian soil.
• Hardline Oversight: Restoring “anytime, anywhere” inspections by the IAEA.

The Balancing Act

While Trump has described recent talks in Oman as “very good,” the geopolitical reality remains volatile. This meeting follows the 12-day military conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025—a scar that still dictates much of the region’s current posture.

The Tension: Trump is eager for a landmark diplomatic “win” to stabilize the Middle East. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is wary of a “narrow” deal that pauses enrichment but leaves Israel exposed to regional proxy wars and missile strikes.

Why the Timing Matters

For Netanyahu, this isn’t just about security—it’s about survival. With Israeli elections on the horizon, he needs to prove to his domestic audience that he remains the only leader capable of steering American foreign policy in Israel’s favor.