President Trump has reportedly stopped a planned Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear sites, striving to achieve a diplomatic resolution instead.
The Israeli strike, set to take place in May, was aimed at slowing Iranian progress in the development of nuclear weapons. Although intended to be carried out by Israeli military forces, the strike would have required extensive U.S. support.
Several members of the Trump administration, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, had expressed concerns over U.S. involvement with the strike, causing a conflict that would escalate into larger military action.
President Trump discussed the prospect of negotiations with Iran in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on April 7. Netanyahu responded by saying a diplomatic approach could only work if Iranian nuclear facilities were dismantled under the supervision of the U.S.
Iranian leaders have communicated with the Trump administration and expressed a willingness to engage diplomatically. However, Iranian military officials have also stated that any attack on Iran would be met with a military response.
Although President Trump declined to support military action beginning as soon as May, he remained committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. According to National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, “all options remain on the table.”
“The president has authorized direct and indirect discussions with Iran to make this point clear. But he’s also made clear this cannot go on indefinitely,” Hughes said.
When asked about the planned strike by reporters on Thursday, President Trump said he had not waved off Israel’s plans, but he was not in a rush to attack Iran.
“Iran has a chance to have a great country, and to live happily without death, and I’d like to see that. That’s my first option,” President Trump said. “If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran, and I think Iran wants to talk. I hope they’re wanting to talk. It’s going to be very good for them if they do. Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s pretty simple.”