US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off on a potential military strike against Iran. Trump said the request was made to avoid disrupting sensitive nuclear negotiations that are showing signs of progress, reports Ap.
“I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we’re very close to a solution,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “If we can make a deal, it would save a lot of lives.” He added that an agreement could potentially come together “in the next couple of weeks,” though he acknowledged the situation could change quickly.
The Israeli prime minister’s office has not yet responded to the comments.
Trump’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue between the U.S. and Iran to revive a nuclear agreement. Talks have so far taken place over five rounds in Muscat, Oman, and Rome, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. A sixth round of talks has not yet been scheduled.
Meanwhile, Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said negotiations remain uncertain. “The jury is still out,” he said, but noted that the ongoing dialogue is a positive sign. Grossi added that he speaks regularly with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
An IAEA official, identified as Massimo Aparo — head of the agency’s safeguards division — was in Tehran on Wednesday. This division is responsible for nuclear inspections. Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60% purity, which is just short of the 90% level needed for nuclear weapons.
Grossi said the continued engagement by both sides suggests a willingness to reach a deal.
“That, in and by itself, is something possible,” he added.