Trump says he prefers Iran deal over military action but keeps force option open

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would prefer reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran rather than using military force, but warned that military action remains an option if talks fail.

“I’d rather make a deal because I don’t want to kill people,” Trump said during an event in Las Vegas, adding that his administration had been prepared to launch what he described as the “biggest attack since World War II” before those plans were paused after Iranian officials sought negotiations.

Trump said Iranian officials had contacted his administration and asked for talks, a claim Tehran has not confirmed.

“They called me, and they said, ‘Please don’t do it. Let’s talk,’” Trump said, adding that U.S. officials were now holding direct discussions with Iranian representatives to assess possible outcomes.

The president reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, while highlighting previous U.S. strikes against Iranian targets and saying he preferred a negotiated settlement.

“We are talking. Let’s see what happens,” Trump said, adding that Iran “respects us.”

GAROWE ONLINE