Trump signals Israeli strike on Iran 'could very well happen'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Jun 2025 21:43
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The US President warns of a potential Israeli attack on Iran amid rising tensions and upcoming nuclear talks in Oman.

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US President Donald Trump listens to a question after signing a bill blocking California's rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

An Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen," US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, though he stopped short of calling such an attack imminent.

Trump reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution to Iran's nuclear program, as US officials prepare for another round of talks with Tehran.

His comments came after the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations, marking the first such move in nearly two decades.

Iran, in response, announced countermeasures, with an official stating that a "friendly country" had warned of a possible Israeli strike.

Speaking a day earlier, Trump revealed that American diplomatic staff were being relocated from the region due to rising security concerns.

“It [Middle East] could be a dangerous place,” he said, adding that Iran would not be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon.

US intelligence assessments suggest that "Israel" has been making preparations to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, though officials note there is no indication a final decision has been made.

Trump acknowledged Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was considering a potential strike, which he said could spark a “massive conflict” in the region.

Trump says he'd 'love to avoid the conflict'

“I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

“I'd love to avoid the conflict,” he added, stressing the need for Iran to make further concessions at the negotiating table.

The US president emphasized that a new agreement with Tehran was within reach, provided the Iranian government showed more 'flexibility'.

“We are fairly close to a pretty good agreement,” Trump highlighted.

Despite growing concerns, Trump has reportedly cautioned Netanyahu against taking military action while diplomatic channels remain open.

When asked about his conversations with Netanyahu, Trump expressed concern that unilateral military action could jeopardize progress.

“I don’t want them going in, because I think it would blow it,” he said. He quickly added, “Might help it actually, but it also could blow it.”

Describing himself as a man of peace, Trump reiterated his preference for a negotiated solution.

Sources within the US administration fear that "Israel" could act independently in the coming days. However, the US ambassador to "Israel" stated earlier today that it would be unlikely that "Israel" would bomb Iran without a US green light.

Nuclear talks to continue despite IAEA resolution

A sixth round of talks between US and Iranian officials is scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday. The dialogue comes as Tehran intensifies its uranium enrichment program, one of the key sticking points in reaching a renewed agreement.

Trump, who withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term, has expressed skepticism that Iran will meet US demands. He has also threatened military action if diplomacy fails.

Following the IAEA board’s decision, Iran informed the UN nuclear watchdog that it would proceed with plans to open a third uranium enrichment facility.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state media that even if the country’s nuclear infrastructure were destroyed, it would be rebuilt.

Some foreign diplomats have suggested that the US decision to evacuate personnel and the anonymous warnings of a potential Israeli attack may be tactics aimed at pressuring Tehran into concessions.