Trump Predicts Iran Will Negotiate Deal to Prevent American Military Strikes

President Donald Trump on Friday predicted that Iran would seek negotiations with the United States to avoid possible military strikes, signaling a mix of pressure and diplomacy as tensions between the two longtime adversaries continue to rise. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said Tehran was inclined toward a deal despite its public warnings that certain military capabilities were non-negotiable.

“I can say this: they do want to make a deal,” Trump said, adding that he had given Iran a deadline to enter talks on its nuclear and missile programs, though he declined to disclose the timeline. He also pointed to the deployment of a US naval carrier group in waters near Iran, saying Washington hoped diplomacy would prevail but was prepared for other outcomes if talks failed.

Trump cited what he described as Iran’s decision to halt executions of protesters following a recent crackdown as evidence that Tehran was open to negotiation. Human rights groups have alleged that more than 6,000 people were killed during the unrest, claims that Iranian authorities dispute. The US president had earlier struck a more conciliatory tone, saying he hoped to avoid military action and believed talks remained possible.

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Iran, however, reiterated firm red lines. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran’s missile and defense capabilities would “never” be part of negotiations, though he added that Iran was willing to begin talks if they were conducted on equal footing and with mutual respect. He made the remarks during a visit to Turkey, which has emerged as a key intermediary seeking to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Turkish officials stressed the importance of diplomacy, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calling renewed nuclear talks “vital” to reducing regional tensions. He warned against escalation and urged the United States to act cautiously amid concerns that Israel is pressing for military action against Iran.

As diplomatic efforts continue, regional and global actors, including Gulf states and Russia, have called for restraint. Iran has insisted it does not seek war but has warned that any aggression would prompt a firm response, underscoring the fragile balance between negotiation and confrontation surrounding the standoff.

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