NEW YORK, Apr 18 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump has responded to a report by The New York Times that claimed he canceled an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, clarifying that while he prefers diplomacy, he wouldn’t confirm the cancellation of any planned attack.
According to the newspaper’s report published Wednesday, President Trump halted a proposed Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites by prioritizing renewed negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
When asked about the report, Trump stated, “I would not say that the Israeli attack on Iran was canceled,” adding, “My first option is talks. If the second option is adopted, it will be very bad for Iran — and I think Iran wants to talk.”
The New York Times report revealed that Israel had planned to target Iranian nuclear facilities in May, aiming to delay Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons by at least a year. However, the plan reportedly required US backing to counter potential Iranian retaliation and ensure the operation’s success.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continued. A second round of US-Iran nuclear talks took place in Rome, deviating from the first round’s venue in Muscat.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized the change in location, calling it a “professional mistake” that might be seen as a sign of “lack of good faith and seriousness” in the negotiations.
Despite past tensions, President Trump reiterated his belief that Iran has the potential to become “a great country” through diplomacy.
