Trump Says He’ll ‘Lead the Pack’ to Iran War If Deal Fails/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump said he prefers diplomacy with Iran but is ready for war if talks collapse. He dismissed reports of stopping Israel from striking Iran but stressed a deal is his goal. Trump plans to visit the Middle East next month to push normalization between Israel and Arab states.
Trump Warns of Iran War if Diplomacy Fails: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Red Line: The president reiterated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, saying he could “very willingly” go to war if diplomacy fails.
- Time Magazine Interview: Trump told Time that if talks break down, “I’ll be leading the pack” into conflict with Iran.
- Israel Tensions: Trump denied blocking Israeli PM Netanyahu from attacking Iran but said he discouraged it, hoping to strike a deal instead.
- Nuclear Negotiations Ongoing: U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet in Oman this weekend to resume nuclear talks.
- Uranium Enrichment Alarm: Iran is enriching uranium to 60% — just shy of weapons-grade — triggering renewed global concern.
- Middle East Diplomacy: Trump confirmed plans to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to discuss regional normalization deals.
- Rubio Comments: Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iran could pursue civilian nuclear energy, but only with imported fuel.
Trump Says He’ll ‘Lead the Pack’ to Iran War If Deal Fails
Deep Look
President Donald Trump has once again raised the stakes with Iran, declaring in a new interview that he would “very willingly” lead the U.S. into war if negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program collapse. The statement came during a Time magazine interview published Friday, where Trump outlined his preference for diplomacy — but with a clear warning of military action if diplomacy fails.
“I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran,” Trump said, accusing his predecessor, Joe Biden, of allowing Iran to become “rich” and emboldened. He dismissed reports suggesting he had blocked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from striking Iran, saying, “I didn’t stop them. But I didn’t make it comfortable for them.”
Trump explained his strategy was aimed at exhausting diplomatic options first: “I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped.” But he reiterated a hard stance: “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”
His remarks came ahead of U.S.-Iranian nuclear talks scheduled for this weekend in Oman. The meetings are part of renewed efforts to halt Iran’s enrichment of uranium, which has reached 60% purity — just below the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon. Trump has repeatedly defined that threshold as his red line.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio added further context this week, saying Iran could retain access to nuclear power for peaceful purposes — but only by importing low-enriched uranium. The administration has been firm that domestic enrichment beyond civilian needs is unacceptable.
In parallel, Israeli media reported that Netanyahu told Trump he remains open to a diplomatic route, but one that results in total dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure — “leaving no trace.”
As tensions rise, Trump is planning a high-profile Middle East trip next month, where he’ll visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He expressed optimism that he could help broker a deal to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords — the U.S.-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
“I think Saudi Arabia will go into the Abraham Accords,” Trump said. “I think it will be full very quickly.”
Still, Trump’s remarks about willingly engaging in conflict with Iran sparked renewed debate over his foreign policy approach. Critics argue that his rhetoric risks escalating an already volatile situation, while supporters say it reinforces deterrence and American resolve.
Iran, under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to ramp up uranium enrichment despite international pressure. The Islamic Republic has also increased domestic repression, including a spike in state executions, as talks with the U.S. unfold.
Whether Trump’s aggressive posture succeeds in forcing a deal or moves the region closer to war remains to be seen. For now, the world watches closely as diplomacy and brinksmanship collide in one of the globe’s most dangerous nuclear flashpoints.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.