Trump Signals Military Action on Iran Possible if Nuclear Diplomacy Fails
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that military intervention against Iran remains a viable option should Tehran persist with its nuclear ambitions.
Speaking ahead of expected nuclear negotiations set to take place in Oman this weekend, Trump emphasized that although diplomatic solutions are preferred, Washington is ready to respond with force if necessary. He also highlighted that Israel would take a central role in any potential military engagement.
“If military force is necessary, we will use it,” Trump told reporters. “Israel will take the lead in that effort, but the United States acts independently and according to its own interests.”
On the same day, the U.S. Treasury Department introduced new sanctions aimed at Iran’s nuclear program, targeting five organizations and one individual associated with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran is not pursuing nuclear weapons. In a surprising development, he extended an invitation to U.S. investors, affirming that there is no resistance from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regarding foreign investment.
“American businesses are welcome to invest in Iran,” Pezeshkian said during a televised speech.
Trump’s comments followed his earlier doubts about the progress of the upcoming talks. The U.S. considers the Oman meeting a direct negotiation, while Iran maintains it will be indirect.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the discussions but stressed that any agreement must ensure Iran is permanently barred from developing nuclear weapons. He referenced Libya’s disarmament in 2003 as a potential framework.
“That could serve as a useful model,” Netanyahu stated. “But regardless of the path, Iran must never be allowed to possess nuclear arms.”
Trump had previously pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018, describing it as “the worst deal ever.” Attempts to revive the agreement, including under President Joe Biden, have not yielded a breakthrough.
