In a recent off-camera interview with ABC News, President Donald Trump expressed the possibility of U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He indicated that discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program are still ongoing, suggesting that Tehran might be increasingly inclined to negotiate following a series of intense confrontations with Israel.
During the interview, Trump mentioned that although the United States is “not at this moment” engaged in military action, the potential for involvement cannot be ruled out. He stated, “It’s possible we could get involved” and highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin could play a mediating role in the conflict. Trump revealed that he had recently spoken with Putin about the situation, stating, “He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it.”
The backdrop to these discussions includes a significant escalation in hostilities, with Israel and Iran exchanging heavy airstrikes for a third consecutive day. The Israeli military has launched extensive attacks aimed at severely damaging Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran.
In light of the military escalation, diplomatic channels appear to be strained. Oman, which has previously facilitated negotiations related to Iran’s nuclear program, has announced the cancellation of a sixth round of talks between Iran and the United States that was set to occur over the weekend. Nevertheless, Trump emphasized that dialogue between the two sides continues. He asserted that there is “no deadline” for these negotiations, insisting, “They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk.”
Reflecting on the dynamics of the conflict, Trump suggested that the recent clashes might have been a catalyst for accelerating discussions regarding a potential nuclear agreement. He noted, “It may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually,” indicating that the heightened tension might lead to a more urgent need for resolution.