World

Trump Aims to Avoid Conflict With Iran but Says the U.S. Must Be Ready to Act

President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he would prefer not to use military force against Iran, but emphasized that certain situations may require action. He stated that no final decision has been made regarding a potential strike, adding that discussions with advisers were still ongoing.

Trump expressed frustration over Iran’s refusal to meet U.S. demands aimed at limiting its nuclear program. According to him, Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons,” and current negotiations have not moved in the direction Washington expects.

When asked whether a U.S. attack could lead to a drawn-out conflict in the Middle East, Trump acknowledged that “there’s always a risk,” but insisted he would rather see a diplomatic solution. He noted that Iranian officials have been difficult to negotiate with, making progress challenging.

Meanwhile, Oman has been playing a key mediating role between the two countries. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met in Washington with Vice President JD Vance and several senior U.S. officials in an effort to prevent escalation. Oman later described the talks as constructive, although Trump’s comments appeared far more blunt.

Speaking later at an event in Corpus Christi, Texas, Trump said the U.S. faces “a very big decision” regarding Iran. He criticized Iran for years of hostile actions, including attacks on ships and violence toward civilians, while repeating his desire for a meaningful and peaceful agreement.

In the broader region, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem authorized non-essential government personnel and their families to leave Israel due to rising security risks. Additionally, the USS Gerald Ford, a major American aircraft carrier, arrived off the Israeli coast. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to visit Israel to discuss Iran and other regional issues.