President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to resume negotiations with Iran, even as tensions rise following recent Israeli military strikes on Iranian targets.
In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Trump emphasized that the United States had no role in the Israeli attacks and reiterated Washington’s commitment to diplomacy. “The U.S. military was not involved in those strikes,” he said. “We’re still looking to engage with Iran. I look forward to restarting negotiations.”
The president’s comments come at a volatile moment in the region. Reports this week indicated that Israel had launched limited airstrikes on Iranian military assets, fueling concerns about further escalation. While Iran has yet to formally retaliate, Iranian officials have warned of consequences if attacks continue and if the U.S. is perceived as complicit.
Trump’s renewed call for dialogue comes ahead of the sixth round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which are set to take place this Sunday in Muscat, Oman. The talks are aimed at reviving a stalled diplomatic process intended to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
The Sultanate of Oman, which has long played the role of mediator in regional conflicts, confirmed earlier this week that it will host the high-level talks. The upcoming meeting is viewed as a critical opportunity to prevent further deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been steadily increasing in recent weeks, particularly as efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement—abandoned during Trump’s first term—have yielded little progress. Trump has maintained that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, though he has also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.
“We are committed to keeping Americans safe while also pursuing peace,” Trump said in the Fox News interview. “If Iran is serious, we’re ready to talk.”
As regional actors brace for potential fallout from the Israeli strikes, international observers will be closely watching the negotiations in Muscat for signs of de-escalation. The outcome may determine whether the U.S. and Iran can move back toward a diplomatic path or spiral further into confrontation.
