Trump says US in 'very deep talks' with Iran, will return to war if negotiations fail

US President Donald Trump announced that the country is engaged in "very deep talks" with Iran, stating that the United States would resume military action if the negotiations fail. Speaking during an interview with Axios on Monday, Trump emphasized the urgency of the discussions, describing them as critical to national security. According to the report, Trump temporarily halted major US strikes against Iran to allow for continued dialogue, citing input from countries involved in the talks who urged him not to take immediate military action. He noted that the pause was intended to avoid "nothing gained, nothing lost," while observing that oil prices had dropped and stock markets had risen since the decision to delay strikes. The president also mentioned that the talks were proceeding under the condition that Iran was in a "bad situation," and that the US had effectively weakened Iran’s military capabilities. In addition to the Iran-related discussions, Trump addressed other international matters. He stated that the United States had not yet spoken to Saudi Arabia regarding its participation in the Abraham Accords, contradicting a previous social media post suggesting otherwise. Trump claimed that the US-Saudi nuclear deal depends on Saudi Arabia joining the accords, though he acknowledged that Iran is engaging in talks due to its current strategic disadvantage. Trump also highlighted the alignment between the United States and Israel on the Iran issue, acknowledging minor differences but emphasizing their close cooperation. He praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as a "wartime prime minister," and reiterated that he and Netanyahu had achieved significant results together. The president also dismissed concerns over the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, asserting that no one could dictate US defense decisions, and called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a personal friend. Furthermore, Trump criticized the Biden administration for providing ammunition to Ukraine, claiming the US still had ample supplies but desired additional quantities. He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of American military resources, underscoring the nation’s readiness for any scenario. As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington for meetings with Trump. During the discussion, Trump referenced the importance of the talks, stating that without his presidency, Iran might have developed nuclear weapons, potentially threatening Israel’s survival. Netanyahu, in turn, affirmed his commitment to securing Israel’s safety and stability, expressing his intention to engage in decisive and wise actions during the visit. Netanyahu’s trip includes attending the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away on July 12 after a brief illness. The visit underscores the high-level coordination between the US and Israel concerning regional security threats, particularly those posed by Iran. Both leaders are anticipated to address broader geopolitical challenges, including the evolving dynamics in the Middle East and the implications of ongoing negotiations.