Trump says Netanyahu ‘wants a deal’ as US-Iran talks resume under military pressure

The US and Iran resumed discussions in Oman last Friday for the first time since the 12-day war in June.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports reaching an agreement with Iran, expressing confidence that renewed nuclear negotiations show greater promise than past efforts, even as the United States increases its military presence in the Gulf.

Speaking to Barak Ravid of Israel’s Channel 12 and Axios, Trump reflected on the June 2025 American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities following the collapse of earlier diplomacy.

He said Iranian leaders previously doubted he would act militarily and miscalculated. Now, he said, the atmosphere surrounding the talks is markedly different and offers a real opportunity for progress.

The US and Iran resumed discussions in Oman last Friday for the first time since the 12-day war in June.

At the same time, Washington has reinforced its regional posture. Trump said a naval force is already en route and that he is considering dispatching an additional aircraft carrier strike group.

A US official confirmed internal discussions on sending a second carrier to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying vessels, aircraft, and missile capabilities. Two carriers were stationed in the region during much of the Gaza war.

Despite the buildup, Trump said Tehran appears far more serious about negotiations due to the military pressure. He said Iran is eager to reach an agreement and indicated that the upcoming second round of talks could take place next week.

Iran, however, has publicly limited the scope of negotiations to its nuclear program and maintains it will not relinquish uranium enrichment. That stance has fueled skepticism among hardliners in Washington and Jerusalem who doubt a broad agreement is achievable.

Trump said any arrangement must address Iran’s nuclear activities and should also cover its ballistic missile arsenal, adding that a strong deal remains possible.

Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday. The visit was moved forward to accommodate the president’s schedule. Before departing, Netanyahu said he would present key principles he believes are vital for regional security.