Trump says willing to engage with Iran rather than resort to war
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US President Donald Trump says he prefers negotiating a non-nuclear deal with Iran over military action but declined to reveal details of potential talks.
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US President Donald Trump speaks at a dinner with Senate Republicans at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 (AP)
US President Donald Trump expressed his preference for reaching a deal with Iran rather than resorting to military action, emphasizing a non-nuclear agreement as a potential alternative.
"I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bombing the hell out of it," Trump stated in an interview with The New York Post aboard Air Force One on Friday.
Despite his willingness to negotiate, Trump declined to disclose specific details regarding potential discussions with Iran. When asked what he could offer Iran in return, he responded, "I can’t say that because it’s too nasty. I won’t bomb them."
Earlier, on February 5, Trump had voiced his preference for a "verified nuclear peace agreement" that would allow Iran to develop peacefully. He emphasized that relevant efforts to achieve such an agreement should commence promptly.
Trump's dilemma with Iran's nuclear program
Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal during his first term in 2018.
The deal put restrictions on Iran's nuclear capabilities in return for sanctions relief; sanctions that were impeding the Iranian economy. Trump claimed the deal did not hold Iran's missile program back and that it didn't reduce its influence in the region.
Instead, Trump imposed several sanctions in order to pressure Iran into renegotiating the JCPOA deal and concede more limitations, including restrictions on Iran's ballistic missiles and other regional activities.
However, more recently, Trump called for renewed negotiations on a "verified nuclear peace agreement" with Iran, urging immediate talks while reinstating his maximum pressure policy. Tehran, however, responded cautiously, stating that its diplomatic approach remains rooted in dignity, wisdom, and expediency.
