U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that while a truce between Israel and Iran might be possible, the two countries may need to engage in further conflict before any agreement is reached.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump remarked, “Sometimes they need to fight it out, but we’ll see how it plays out. I believe there’s a strong possibility for a deal.”
In an earlier interview with ABC News, Trump acknowledged the potential for U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict, though he did not specify what form that might take.
On social media, Trump added that discussions and negotiations aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel were ongoing.
His comments followed a weekend of intense military exchanges between the two nations, with dozens killed as tensions escalated. Israel initiated strikes on Friday, reportedly targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
Despite hopes for de-escalation, both Tehran and Tel Aviv continued to endure heavy bombardment through the weekend.
Media reports suggested that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump’s remarks stood in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements on Saturday, in which he vowed to intensify military action against Iran.
