Trump Links Israeli Strikes to Renewed Nuclear Deal Prospects with Iran
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran might accelerate progress toward a nuclear agreement, rather than hinder it. In a series of interviews on Friday, Trump argued that the intensifying conflict could compel Tehran to return to the negotiating table more earnestly. In a conversation with Axios, Trump dismissed concerns that Israel’s actions would derail diplomatic efforts.
“I don’t think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously,” he said, adding, “They were close before. They should have made a deal. Maybe now it will happen.” Trump’s comments came shortly after his first phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the attacks. Although the former president confirmed the conversation took place, he declined to provide details, including whether Netanyahu requested direct U.S. military involvement.
Renewed Pressure on Iran
In separate interviews with NBC News and Reuters, Trump reiterated his view that Iran had “missed an opportunity” for a nuclear deal during earlier negotiations. He warned that future Israeli strikes could be “even more brutal” if diplomacy failed to resume.
“Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform, on Friday morning.
Despite escalating tensions in the region, Trump claimed that diplomatic avenues remain open: “They can still work out a deal. It’s not too late,” he told Reuters.
Inside Knowledge and Warnings
Speaking to The Washington Post, Trump claimed he was aware of the Israeli strike plan in advance. “I always knew the date,” he said. “Because I know everything. I know everything.”
A Reuters report indicated that the U.S. State Department had quietly notified Qatar and other key regional allies just hours before the Israeli military action, signaling behind-the-scenes coordination or at least forewarning from Washington.
Background and Implications
The timing of Trump’s statements is critical as diplomatic tensions mount across the Middle East. His renewed pressure on Iran comes amid speculation over his possible return to the White House in 2025 and his longstanding opposition to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which he withdrew the U.S. in 2018.
Whether Israel’s military moves ultimately harden Tehran’s stance or push it toward compromise remains uncertain. But Trump appears confident that military pressure may succeed where diplomacy alone faltered.
