Trump: Iran is Calling Me to Speak on Nuclear Deal After Israeli Strikes
Trump hints at possible new Iran nuclear talks post-Israeli strikes, says Tehran is reaching out. Praises Israel's 'precision' using US equipment while keeping diplomatic door open.
Erbil (Kurdistan24) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that Iran may still have “another opportunity” to engage in nuclear diplomacy with Washington, even as Israeli strikes on Iranian territory reshape the region’s strategic landscape.
‘They Missed It Once. Maybe Again.’
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump was asked whether negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program remained viable.
“They missed the opportunity to make a deal. Now, they may have another opportunity. We’ll see,” he said.
Pressed on why Iran would be motivated to return to the table after Israel’s military campaign, Trump suggested that Iranian figures had reached out to him directly.
“They're calling me to speak,” he said. When asked who, Trump cryptically added, “The same people we worked with the last time … Many of them are dead now.”
Trump praised Israel’s strikes, describing the operation as precise and advanced. “They had the finest equipment in the world, which is American equipment,” he said, indicating approval of both Israel’s tactics and Washington’s military support.
A More Cautious Tone in Reuters Interview
In a separate phone interview with Reuters, Trump offered a more uncertain view, saying it was unclear whether Iran still possesses an operational nuclear program following the Israeli strikes.
“Nobody knows. It was a very devastating hit,” Trump said.
Israel claims to have targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, ballistic missile factories, and senior military commanders in what it describes as a sustained operation aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Trump confirmed that nuclear talks with Iran are still formally scheduled for Sunday in Oman, where U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with an Iranian delegation. However, he admitted that the meeting might not take place.
“We have a meeting with them on Sunday. Now, I’m not sure if that meeting will take place, but we have a meeting with them,” he said. “They’re not dead.”
‘I Tried to Save Them’
Trump revealed that he had tried to dissuade Israel from launching its offensive in order to give diplomacy more time, adding that he had allowed Iran 60 days to engage constructively. “And today is 61,” he noted.
“We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran humiliation and death,” Trump added. “I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out. They can still work out a deal; however, it’s not too late.”
Despite rising tensions, Trump dismissed concerns over a wider regional conflict and reaffirmed strong support for Israel.
“We’ve been very close to Israel,” he told Reuters. “We’re their number one ally by far.”
As conflicting statements from Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv continue to unfold, Trump’s dual interviews reflect both an openness to negotiation and an awareness of the shifting balance of power in the Middle East. Whether diplomacy can resume amid the military escalation remains uncertain.
Updated on Jun. 13, 2025, at 08:03 Pm
