What Happened
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would travel to Washington to meet President Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
- The meeting, held on 11 February 2026 at the White House, lasted approximately 2.5 hours and focused on Iran's nuclear programme.
- Netanyahu argued that a negotiated deal with Iran is not feasible and that Iran would not honour any agreement, pressing for a tougher approach.
- Trump stated he "insisted" that negotiations with Iran continue, preferring a diplomatic outcome but leaving open the possibility of other measures if talks fail.
- Both leaders agreed to increase economic pressure on Iran, particularly targeting Iranian oil sales to China.
- No definitive agreement was reached during the meeting on the approach to Iran.
Static Topic Bridges
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
The JCPOA, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed on 14 July 2015 in Vienna between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany) along with the European Union. Under the agreement, Iran accepted restrictions on its nuclear programme — including limiting uranium enrichment to 3.67%, reducing centrifuges, and converting the Arak reactor — in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions. The US withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 under Trump's first term and reimposed sanctions through a "maximum pressure" campaign. Iran subsequently breached multiple JCPOA limits, enriching uranium to 60% purity.
- Signed: 14 July 2015, Vienna; endorsed by UNSC Resolution 2231 (2015)
- Parties: Iran, P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany), EU
- Iran's obligations: Limit enrichment to 3.67%, reduce centrifuges to 5,060, redesign Arak heavy water reactor
- US withdrawal: May 2018 (Trump's first term)
- Iran's current enrichment: Up to 60% purity; breakout time estimated at under one week by US intelligence (May 2025 DIA assessment)
- JCPOA restrictions on enrichment capacity began expiring in January 2026
Connection to this news: The current US-Iran talks represent an attempt to negotiate a successor arrangement to the collapsed JCPOA, with Iran's enrichment having advanced far beyond JCPOA limits, making any new deal more challenging to negotiate and verify.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
The NPT, which entered into force in 1970, is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. It has three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran is a signatory to the NPT and claims its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. However, in June 2025, Iran's parliament began drafting legislation to withdraw from the NPT amid the Israel-Iran conflict, which would have severe implications for the non-proliferation regime. Five states are recognised as nuclear-weapon states under the NPT: the US, Russia, UK, France, and China.
- Opened for signature: 1 July 1968; entered into force: 5 March 1970
- 191 states parties (as of 2025) — the most widely adhered-to arms control treaty
- Non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (none have signed); North Korea withdrew in 2003
- IAEA safeguards are the primary verification mechanism under the NPT
- Iran signed the NPT in 1968 and ratified it in 1970
Connection to this news: The Trump-Netanyahu discussions on Iran occur against the backdrop of a weakening NPT framework, with Iran's potential withdrawal from the treaty adding urgency to diplomatic efforts to constrain its nuclear programme.
India's Position on Iran and West Asia
India maintains a carefully balanced approach toward West Asia, engaging with both Iran and Israel as well as the Gulf states. India has historically supported a negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear issue. India's interests include energy security (Iran was historically a key oil supplier), the safety of the Indian diaspora (approximately 9 million Indians in the Gulf), and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 40% of global oil trade passes. India also operates the Chabahar Port in Iran under a 10-year agreement signed in May 2024.
- Chabahar Port: 10-year agreement signed May 2024; provides India connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia
- India reduced Iranian oil imports to near-zero after US sanctions (2019), from a peak of ~500,000 barrels per day
- Indian diaspora in the Gulf: ~9 million; remittances from the region are significant
- India voted against Iran at the IAEA Board in 2005 and 2009 but has generally advocated diplomacy
- Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil trade
Connection to this news: Any escalation or new sanctions regime arising from the Trump-Netanyahu discussions could impact India's energy costs, Chabahar Port operations, and the broader regional stability that underpins Indian economic and diaspora interests in West Asia.
Key Facts & Data
- JCPOA signed: 14 July 2015 in Vienna; US withdrew in May 2018
- Iran's current uranium enrichment: Up to 60% purity (JCPOA limit was 3.67%)
- Estimated breakout time: Under one week (May 2025 DIA assessment)
- JCPOA enrichment restrictions began expiring: January 2026
- NPT: 191 states parties; entered into force 1970
- India-Iran Chabahar Port agreement: 10-year deal signed May 2024
- Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20% of global oil trade
- Indian diaspora in the Gulf region: ~9 million