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Trump Meets Netanyahu, Urges Iran Deal Talks & References "Midnight Hammer"

U.S. President Donald Trump described his White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as productive, emphasizing the strong bilateral relationship. Trump stated he insisted negotiations with Iran continue to explore a potential deal, warning that failure could lead to an undesirable outcome, referencing the 2025 "Operation Midnight Hammer" strikes. The leaders also discussed developments in Gaza and the broader Middle East, with Trump asserting progress toward peace. Prior to the main meeting, Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and joined a peace initiative board.

Key Points: Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: Iran Talks & Gaza Progress Discussed

  • Trump calls meeting with Netanyahu 'very good'
  • Urges continued negotiations with Iran for a potential deal
  • References 2025 U.S. strikes "Operation Midnight Hammer"
  • Discusses progress toward peace in Gaza and the region
3 min read

Trump finishes 'good' meeting with Netanyahu; says Iran talks will continue, but reminds 'Op Midnight Hammer'

After meeting Netanyahu, Trump pushes for continued Iran negotiations, references past strikes, and discusses Middle East peace progress.

"Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer -- That did not work well for them. - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, February 12

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a 'good' one.

In his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted that while nothing definitive was reached, he encouraged continued negotiations with Iran to explore the possibility of a deal. He also referenced prior U.S. actions against Iran - "Midnight Hammer," which he said "did not work well for them."

On June 21-22, 2025, under "Operation Midnight Hammer," the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting three key sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran strongly condemned the operations, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Trump also addressed regional developments, noting discussions on the situation in Gaza and broader Middle East affairs

"I have just finished meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, of Israel, and various of his Representatives. It was a very good meeting, the tremendous relationship between our two Countries continues. There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated. 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. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer -- That did not work well for them," his post on Truth Social read.

"Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible. Additionally, we discussed the tremendous progress being made in Gaza, and the Region in general. There is truly PEACE in the Middle East. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP" it further added.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu met Trump at the White House, marking their sixth meeting since Trump returned to office in early 2025.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now meeting with US President Donald Trump, at the White House," Israeli PM's Office said.

He also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met, at Blair House in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Prior to his meeting with President Trump at the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu signed up, in the presence of Secretary of State Rubio, as a member of the Board of Peace," as per his office.

Netanyahu said shortly before departing for Washington that Gaza would be among "a series of issues" to be discussed during his meeting with Trump, CNN reported.

The US announced the start of the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan in mid-January, following the formation of a new committee intended to administer the battered enclave.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The reference to "Midnight Hammer" is a stark reminder of how quickly things can escalate. India has always advocated for diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts. While we have our own complex relationship with Iran, a volatile Gulf is in no one's interest. Hope cooler heads prevail this time. 🙏
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Rohit P
Trump's style is all about public negotiation and pressure. "That did not work well for them" is such a typical statement. As Indians, we've seen this movie before. It creates uncertainty in global oil markets, which directly hits our economy. Focus should be on sustainable peace, not posturing.
S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi but originally from the US, I find the tone concerning. Threatening military action ("Midnight Hammer") while claiming to seek peace sends mixed signals. The situation in Gaza is heartbreaking. True peace requires justice and lifting the siege, not just declarations from Washington.
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Vikram M
India has to walk a fine line here. We have strong ties with both the US and Israel, but also important historical and economic links with Iran, especially for Chabahar port. Our foreign policy should quietly encourage dialogue without getting drawn into this binary alliance politics. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
With respect, claiming "there is truly PEACE in the Middle East" while Gaza is still suffering feels disconnected. As a news follower from Chennai, I see the reports of ongoing hardship. Diplomacy is good, but it must be rooted in the reality of people's lives, not just high-level meetings.

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