Trump Says He Hopes to Avoid War With Iran, But Keeps Military Pressure High

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said he is hoping to avoid military action against Iran, but he did not rule it out, signaling a mix of diplomacy and deterrence as the US and Tehran remain locked in a tense standoff.

Trump told reporters he wants talks with Iranian officials and said it would be “great” if war could be avoided, but he insisted the US is prepared to act if Iran continues to escalate. BBC reported that Trump’s comments came as US forces were moving into the region, reinforcing a hard-line posture meant to pressure Tehran.

The White House has repeatedly framed the push as a last resort, but the message is clear: military options remain on the table. Trump’s remarks echoed those of senior officials who say Iran must face consequences if it moves closer to a nuclear weapon.

According to Dawn, Trump also made a point of saying the US prefers negotiations, and suggested that talks could happen soon if Iran shows willingness. The report added that Trump emphasized the US would not hesitate to defend itself or its allies.

The diplomatic push comes amid rising regional tensions. Iran has responded with mixed signals, a willingness to talk, but also strong warnings that any attack would be met with serious retaliation. Tehran has accused the US of destabilizing the region and insists its nuclear program is peaceful.

Analysts say the US aims to balance pressure with the appearance of restraint, hoping to force Iran back to the negotiating table without sparking conflict. But the risk remains high.

For now, the US military presence in the Gulf is a visible reminder that diplomacy is happening under the shadow of force, and the world is watching whether talks can defuse a standoff that could quickly spiral.

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