Trump says Israel should not strike Iran, as nuclear deal 'close' / Photo: © AFP
Trump says Israel should not strike Iran, as nuclear deal 'close'
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 levels of uranium enrichment -- 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.
R.Hofmann--BP
