In a recent interview published on Friday, President Trump indicated that if a deal to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities isn’t reached, the U.S. might lead military measures against the country.
This statement came during his first three months in office as officials from both the U.S. and Iran prepared to meet for the third consecutive Saturday to try and forge an agreement that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
When asked if he feared that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might involve him in a conflict with Iran, Mr. Trump responded: “I might participate quite willingly if a deal cannot be struck. If we fail to agree, I’ll be leading the way.”
Although Mr. Trump has expressed that he believes the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are progressing, both parties have yet to reach a significant breakthrough.
Mr. Netanyahu has shown a willingness to engage in negotiations if it results in the total dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, a demand that has been turned down by Iranian officials. Some in Israel are concerned that the U.S. might agree to a deal that permits parts of Iran’s nuclear program to continue.
While Mr. Netanyahu has refrained from directly confronting Mr. Trump, he has made numerous public statements asserting that Israel will not permit Iran to acquire a nuclear arsenal.
Last week, The New York Times revealed that Israel had considered launching an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, but was restrained by Mr. Trump, who advocated for a negotiation-based approach with Iran initially. Israeli officials have indicated that U.S. backing for such military actions is vital both for success and for safeguarding Israel from any retaliatory responses from Iran.
Mr. Trump clarified that he did not prevent Israel from attacking Iran, but he did not make it easy for them either.
“Ultimately, I was going to leave that decision to them, but I expressed my preference for a deal over military action,” he stated.
Mr. Trump further expressed a willingness to meet with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, or the country’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
