Trump Says Israel, Iran ‘May Have to Fight It Out’ but Hopes for Deal Amid Escalating Strikes
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate following a series of deadly airstrikes, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a diplomatic resolution, while acknowledging that direct conflict between the two nations may be inevitable.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday ahead of his departure for the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada, Trump commented on recent developments in the Middle East, where Israel and Iran have traded air and missile strikes over the past week.
“Well, I hope there’s going to be a deal,” Trump said as he prepared to board Air Force One. “I think it’s time for a deal, and we’ll see what happens. But sometimes they have to fight it out. But we’re going to see what happens. I think there’s a good chance there will be a deal.”
His remarks come just days after Israel carried out a high-profile airstrike targeting a nuclear facility and military installations inside Iran. The operation reportedly killed dozens and was described by Israeli officials as a necessary step to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear weapons program.
In response, Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks on multiple targets across Israel, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has since carried out additional strikes against Iranian missile sites in central Iran.
The escalating violence led Iran to cancel a planned sixth round of nuclear negotiations that was scheduled to take place in Oman. Diplomatic efforts to revive the stalled nuclear deal now appear uncertain.
Despite the rising tensions, Trump suggested that Israel’s aggressive posture could ultimately bring Iran to the negotiating table.
According to sources close to the former president, Trump believes Israel’s recent strike may actually improve the prospects for a renewed nuclear agreement by applying maximum pressure on the Iranian regime.
The White House, meanwhile, has stressed that the United States was not involved in the Israeli operation and continues to call for de-escalation.
