Trump urges Netanyahu to delay Iran strike as nuclear talks advance

US President Donald Trump has advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a military strike on Iran, urging patience as Washington pursues a renewed nuclear agreement with Tehran. Trump stated during a White House press briefing that he told Netanyahu such action would be “inappropriate” at this time due to ongoing diplomatic progress.

Tensions have been high as Netanyahu threatens a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. In response, Iran has vowed a strong retaliation if attacked. However, diplomatic negotiations appear to be gaining ground. Talks have recently taken place in Oman and Italy, with signs of possible compromise.

Two Iranian officials informed Reuters that Iran may suspend uranium enrichment for one year, provided that the US unfreezes Iranian assets and acknowledges Tehran's right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. These steps would form the foundation of a broader “political deal” that could revive the nuclear accord.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed cautious optimism, calling the talks a sign of willingness to reach an agreement. “The jury is still out,” he said, but added that the ongoing dialogue is promising.

The original 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. That deal collapsed in 2018 after Trump withdrew the US, triggering renewed hostilities.

A major obstacle in the current talks remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The US demands an end to enrichment as a safeguard against weapon development. Iran, in contrast, insists its nuclear activities are purely civilian and accuses Washington of violating its sovereign rights.

In the most recent round of talks held in Rome, Tehran proposed that the US officially recognize its enrichment rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and allow access to its oil revenues frozen by sanctions. Both sides remain in a delicate balancing act as negotiations continue.