Trump wants Iran deal but will be "leading the pack" for war without one
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Trump in the Oval Office. Photo: Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images
President Trump denied there's any risk Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will "drag" him into war with Iran in an interview with Time magazine, because he will be "leading the pack" for war if he can't get a deal.
Why it matters: Netanyahu is much more skeptical than Trump of diplomacy with Iran, and much more inclined to opt for a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Trump has repeatedly said his priority is to negotiate a deal, but that Iran doesn't have much time before he will consider plan b to ensure Tehran never gets a bomb.
The intrigue: Trump denied that he outright stopped Israel from striking Iran, saying "I didn't make it comfortable for them, but I didn't say no."
- "Ultimately I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped," he said.
- Trump said he's not worried Netanyahu will drag him into war with Iran and added: "I may go in very willingly if we can't get a deal. If we don't make a deal, I'll be leading the pack."
- But Trump said he thinks "we can make a deal without the attack. I hope we can." Asked if he's open to meeting Iranian leaders he said: "Sure."
What to watch: Trump remarks in a lengthy Time interview came ahead of the third round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran in Saturday in Oman.
- The talks this week will shift to a more technical, working-level format to delve into the details of Iran's nuclear program. State Department policy planning chief Michael Anton will lead the U.S. team, U.S. officials say.
- White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi are expected meet in Oman this weekend after the technical talks are concluded.
- Both sides insist they're ready to make progress if the other side is serious.
