US President Donald Trump denied recent reports that he had prevented Israel from attacking Iran's nuclear sites, saying "that's not right," in an interview with TIME magazine on Friday.
When asked for clarification, he explained, "No, it’s not right. I didn’t stop them [Israel]. But I didn't make it comfortable for them, because I think we can make a deal without the attack. I hope we can. It’s possible we’ll have to attack because Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. But I didn’t make it comfortable for them, but I didn’t say no. Ultimately, I was going to leave that choice to them, but I said I would much prefer a deal than bombs being dropped."
In the interview with TIME, Trump was asked about his direct talks with Iran and whether he would be open to meeting with Iran's President or Supreme Leader. He responded affirmatively, stating, "Sure."
Trump also said he believes “Saudi Arabia will go into the Abraham Accords,” adding “that will happen."
TIME reported that Trump takes pride in having encouraged European nations to invest more in their security and in promoting peace between Israel and several Arab neighbors during his first term.
Trump discusses Netanyahu, Ozturk case
Regarding concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might drag him into a war with Iran, Trump expressed no worry, stating simply, "No."
On March 25, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Ph.D. student at Tufts University, was detained by ICE agents while heading to an Iftar dinner. She was taken to a facility in Louisiana, and her bond was denied. The government has not provided evidence of her support for Hamas or charged her with a crime.
A DHS official cited an op-ed she co-wrote criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza as a reason for her detention. Trump stated he was unaware of her case but would consider reviewing any evidence against her.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is open to also normalizing relations with Israel, a Republican congressman who recently visited Syria told The Jerusalem Post.