In a sudden change of policy from the past, US President Donald Trump has called on Iran and Israel to “make a deal” even as the two keep trading fatal missile attacks. Trump suggested that the two nations may “have to fight it out” before there can be any peace agreement.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel has emphatically rejected these claims. The crisis is the first time Israel and Iran have come into direct, overt conflict since years of covert warfare and proxy fights.
Trump Pushes For Peace, Doesn’t Rule Out War
Speaking from the White House lawn on Sunday, June 15, Trump said, “I think it’s time for a deal.” However, he added a chilling caveat: “Sometimes they have to fight it out, but we’re going to see what happens.” He made the remarks just before leaving for the G7 summit in Canada.
When questioned whether he had called on Israel to cease its air attacks, Trump would not respond. His response came after a mysterious Truth Social posting in which he stated “many calls and meetings” were taking place. He asserted a peace agreement could be forthcoming “soon.” Trump posted, “They should make a deal, and will make a deal,” and provided no other insight.
Trump Reportedly Blocks Israeli Plan
As reported by AFP, a high-ranking US official disclosed that Trump turned down an Israeli offer to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The source explained to Axios, “We told the Israelis that President Trump is against that. The Iranians have not killed an American and talking about killing political figures should not be on the table.”
Israeli officials promptly denied the report. National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi labeled it “fake news.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s spokesman, Omer Dostri, also dismissed the claim.
Israel-Iran Tensions Boil Over Into Open Warfare
The fighting began on Friday, June 13, when Israel unleashed a massive barrage of strikes within Iran. The attacks, reports say, killed several high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists. They also hit Iran’s key nuclear and military facilities.
This is a historical escalation. Israel and Iran have for the first time shed all pretense and gone full into direct conflict. The great powers of the world are at high alert, fearing a larger Middle East conflict might materialize.
With bombs still dropping, Trump does both things—offering diplomacy while recognizing war may have to run its course first.
