FDD | Feb 11, 2026
Latest Developments
- Trump-Netanyahu White House Meeting: President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 11, covering topics ranging from the ceasefire in Gaza to the ongoing negotiations with Iran. The meeting, which Trump said was “very good,” lasted for approximately three hours. Netanyahu’s visit came as the United States continues to build up forces in the Middle East, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that the Pentagon has ordered another aircraft carrier strike group to prepare to deploy to the region.
- Trump Seeking Deal With Iran: Trump stated that he was still seeking a deal with the Islamic Republic despite the military preparations. “There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” Trump said on social media. “If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be.” Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Netanyahu “emphasized the security needs of the State of Israel in the context of the negotiations, and the two leaders agreed on continued coordination and the close contact between them.”
- Optimism Surrounding Gaza Truce: Trump added in his statement that the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza, where he claimed “tremendous progress” was being made. New reports emerged on February 10 that Hamas would initially be permitted to retain some of its weapons under future phases of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Hamas official Osama Hamdan stated that the terrorist organization had not received “any draft or official proposal” regarding its weapons and that “maintaining [Hamas’s] arms is a right as long as the occupation remains.”
FDD Expert Response
“Trump has reiterated that he’s pursuing a ‘better deal’ with Tehran. Yet the regime has not signaled that it will back away from maintaining its nuclear enrichment capacity, ballistic missile arsenal, and terror sponsorship. What’s more, the Islamic Republic continues to execute protesters, breaching Trump’s red line. Negotiations with such a murderous regime would only legitimize it and alienate the Middle East’s largest anti-Islamist and pro-American population.” — Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst
“Netanyahu has assiduously cultivated Trump over the years, being by far the most frequent visitor of Trump’s second term. Trump expressed his desire for a deal with Iran, and Netanyahu likely outlined Israel’s skepticism about the deal’s prospects. If Netanyahu was able to impress some of his skepticism upon Trump, that will hopefully reduce Washington’s tolerance for Iranian procrastination without concrete concessions.” — Edmund Fitton-Brown, Senior Fellow
FDD Background and Analysis
“Iran Exploits Diplomacy With U.S. To Execute Protesters,” by Janatan Sayeh
“A few words of advice on Iran and Gaza,” by Clifford D. May
“How Washington can help Iranians prepare for the next internet blackout,” by Bridget Toomey and Thomas Gormley
“U.S. and Iran Hold Indirect Talks in Oman,” FDD Flash Brief
This is pure bilge. There is no peace in the Middle East; there is simply a tenuous ceasefire. As soon as Hamas and its allies have re-armed, they will attack again, and again and again. And this will continue until they are completely eliminated.