Donald Trump on Thursday urged Israel to exercise restraint toward Iran, reiterating his preference for a diplomatic solution as crucial nuclear talks are set to take place Sunday in Muscat. However, he did not rule out an Israeli strike, with U.S. approval, on Tehran, urging it to make concessions on its nuclear program.
“We're quite close to a deal with Iran. I strongly prefer an agreement,” said the former U.S. president. “As long as I believe we’re getting closer to a deal, I don’t want Israel to strike. That could blow everything up and trigger a massive conflict.”
While expressing a desire to avoid a confrontation, Trump did not rule out military action. “An Israeli strike could very well happen,” he conceded, adding: “I'm not saying it’s imminent.” He also warned of a possible “major conflict in the Middle East,” suggesting that “something could happen soon.”
Trump reaffirmed his red line: “Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon,” while urging Tehran to “negotiate more firmly.”
Sunday’s talks between U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister could prove decisive amid growing tensions. According to sources cited by Axios, Witkoff expressed concern over Israel’s ability to withstand a potential large-scale Iranian retaliation. He reportedly warned members of Congress that Iran’s response could involve hundreds of missiles and result in significant casualties. He also confirmed that Israeli strikes on Iran “are on the table.”
An Israeli official reportedly told Axios that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is waiting for the green light from Trump before moving against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Thursday that his country would continue enriching uranium and rebuild its nuclear facilities “even if they were destroyed by bombs.”
A U.S. official told Axios that Iran is currently producing up to 50 ballistic missiles per month.
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