Trump dismisses claim he rejected Israeli Iran strike plan Reaffirms commitment to diplomacy

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed reports that he “waved off” an Israeli proposal to carry out air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating that his administration is prioritising diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Speaking alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office on April 17, Trump responded to a question on the matter, saying, “I wouldn’t say ’waved off.’”

“I’m not in a rush to do it because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death. And I’d like to see that, that’s my first option,” he said.

The president added, “If there’s a second option, I think that would be very bad for Iran and I think Iran is wanting to talk. I hope they’re wanting to talk. It’s going to be very good for them if they do.”

Trump reiterated his desire to see the Iranian people prosper, calling them “incredible people” and stating, “I don’t want to do anything that’s gonna hurt anybody. I really don’t.”

“Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon, it’s pretty simple,” he said.

The president clarified that Washington is not seeking to undermine Iran’s sovereignty or economy, but is firm on preventing nuclear proliferation. “We’re not looking to take their industry. We’re not looking to take their land. All we’re saying is you can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

U.S. officials held talks with Iranian counterparts on April 12. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later described the discussions as “well executed” in a post on X. According to Trump, further talks are planned to take place in Rome over the weekend.

By Aghakazim Guliyev