Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump has claimed that his administration was prepared to launch what he described as one of the largest military operations since the Second World War against Iran, but ultimately stepped back in favour of diplomacy after receiving what he said was a request from Tehran to resume talks.
Speaking on the ongoing tensions with Iran, Trump said he preferred reaching an agreement rather than escalating the conflict, stressing that avoiding further bloodshed remained his priority.
“I would rather make a deal because I do not want to kill people,” Trump said, adding that the United States had been ready for a military operation of unprecedented scale before the proposed action was halted.
According to the US President, Iranian representatives initially contacted Washington and urged the United States to hold discussions instead of carrying out the planned strikes. Trump, however, alleged that Iran later publicly denied making such an approach.
“They called me and said, ‘Please don’t do it, let us talk.’ Then they said they never said that,” Trump remarked, accusing Tehran of sending contradictory signals during the standoff.
Despite the apparent differences in public messaging, Trump claimed Iran understood the seriousness of the US position and said the country respected American resolve.
Reaffirming a long-standing US policy, Trump stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a non-negotiable objective of his administration.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said, reiterating that Washington remains committed to ensuring Tehran does not develop nuclear arms while continuing to pursue a diplomatic solution whenever possible.
Trump’s latest remarks come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic efforts and regional security concerns remaining at the centre of international attention.
