Trump to Netanyahu: U.S. prefers deal with Iran to war, for now

U.S. President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would prefer to reach a deal with Iran rather than go to war, at least for the time being.

During a phone call on Sunday, Trump informed Netanyahu that he wants to give diplomacy a chance before considering military action against Iran, according to Israeli and U.S. officials familiar with the conversation.

The call comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated in recent months, with the Trump administration imposing new sanctions and deploying additional military assets to the Middle East. Israel, meanwhile, has long advocated for a more aggressive stance toward Iran, which it views as an existential threat.

Trump's message to Netanyahu represents a potential shift in the administration's approach to Iran. While the president has previously taken a hard line against the Islamic Republic, his comments suggest he may be open to negotiations, at least in the short term.

The news comes as Iran prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which saw Tehran agree to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the agreement, raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions.

Netanyahu, who has been a vocal critic of the nuclear deal, is likely to be disappointed by Trump's stance. The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly called for a more confrontational approach to Iran, including the possibility of military action if necessary.

However, Trump's comments may also reflect a desire to avoid another costly and potentially destabilizing conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. is still dealing with the aftermath of its involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and another war could further strain American resources and credibility.

The phone call between Trump and Netanyahu underscores the complex dynamics at play in the U.S.-Iran relationship. While the Trump administration has taken a tough stance on Iran, it also appears to be weighing the potential costs and benefits of military action.

As tensions continue to simmer, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops. For now, it seems that diplomacy may have a temporary reprieve, but the threat of conflict remains ever-present.