U.S. President Donald Trump issued a public statement Wednesday evening addressing progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating that he had asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike Iran “at this stage” to avoid harming ongoing efforts toward a diplomatic agreement.
According to Trump, discussions between the U.S. and Iran are advancing, and he expressed hope for a resolution that could save lives.
“Now is not the time to act. If we can reach a monitored agreement, we can neutralize the threat without sending in troops,” he emphasized.
Trump clarified that he does not trust Iran, but believes in the possibility of an effective agreement that would include full oversight and targeted dismantling of nuclear facilities—with no casualties. “I told Netanyahu it’s not appropriate to act now. We’re close to a deal, and if it succeeds, it could change Iran’s future as a nation,” he added.
Reports: Iran signals willingness to halt uranium enrichment
Signs of a potential breakthrough have also emerged from Reuters: two members of Iran’s negotiating team reportedly said Tehran is prepared to halt uranium enrichment for one year in exchange for U.S. sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets. The report also noted that Iran might agree to send some of its enriched uranium abroad or convert it into civilian nuclear fuel—a step that could form the basis for a temporary political agreement with the potential to evolve into a broader deal.
Israeli officials: All options remain on the table
Israeli defense sources, however, voiced skepticism, hinting that they would not wait for a flawed agreement that might allow Iran to buy time. According to Israeli sources, coordination with the U.S. is ongoing, but “all options are on the table.”
Concerns in Washington over possible Israeli strike
The New York Times reported growing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington regarding coordination efforts. American officials reportedly fear that Israel might launch a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities within hours—without prior notice. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office swiftly dismissed the report as “fake news.”
According to the report, Netanyahu told President Trump in a phone call that Israel will not hesitate to take military action if it perceives a major American concession. Israeli security sources say the country is on high alert and is evaluating the feasibility of a rapid military strike should the negotiations collapse.
