(AFP) – US President Donald Trump called Thursday on ally Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, saying a deal remained close if Tehran compromises. Trump acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was considering a strike, which he said could spark a “massive conflict” — leading to a US decision to draw down embassy staff in the region.
“We are fairly close to a pretty good agreement,” Trump told reporters. Asked about his discussions with Netanyahu, Trump said: “I don’t want them going in, because I think it would blow it.” Trump quickly added: “Might help it actually, but it also could blow it.”
Trump’s Middle East pointman Steve Witkoff is set to hold a sixth round of talks on Sunday in Oman with Iran, which defiantly said it would raise output of enriched uranium — the key sticking point in talks. Trump again described himself as a man of peace and said he would prefer a negotiated settlement with Iran.
“I’d love to avoid the conflict. Iran’s going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher — meaning they’re going to have to give us some things that they’re not willing to give us right now,” he said. On whether Israel could attack Iran, Trump said: “I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen.”
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