Trump says he will avoid new military strikes on Iran if talks progress

In a public address today, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is highly unlikely to order a new wave of military strikes against Iran if substantial progress is made in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. These remarks, issued amid a renewed escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, underscore the continued flexibility of the Trump administration’s policy toward Tehran. Although Trump has repeatedly emphasized a hardline stance against Iran, his comments indicate that diplomatic avenues yielding significant results will be a key factor in his decision-making.

Since the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions in 2018, bilateral relations have entered a prolonged period of tension. In 2023, Iran launched multiple attacks on U.S. commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and, in 2024, conducted its first-ever drone attack on a U.S. Navy warship, resulting in significant losses to U.S. military forces. Citing these incidents, the United States carried out airstrikes in early 2024 targeting several senior Iranian military leaders, causing severe damage to Iranian military facilities. These events have not only heightened regional security risks but also placed the United States under pressure on the international stage to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and avoiding an escalation of conflict.

Since taking office, Trump has been known for his “tough” and “direct” diplomatic style. He has repeatedly expressed a stance of “zero tolerance” toward Iran and advocated for stricter sanctions. However, following the failure of multiple rounds of international negotiations, he has begun to acknowledge that military means alone cannot resolve the fundamental issues. Today’s remarks represent a fine-tuning of his diplomatic strategy: prioritizing diplomatic solutions and avoiding unnecessary military conflict when negotiations show progress. This position aligns with calls within the U.S. Congress to avoid large-scale military engagements.

This statement carries multiple implications for the international community. First, it sends a signal to Iran, suggesting that Washington is willing to engage in substantive dialogue on security and nuclear agreement issues. Second, a reduction in military conflict would lower shipping risks along the Persian Gulf’s critical oil transport routes, benefiting the global energy market. Finally, a diplomatic breakthrough by the United States could help ease the sanctions regime against Iran, thereby fostering a recovery in the regional economy.

However, practical implementation faces numerous challenges. Under domestic and international pressure, Iran maintains a hardline stance against U.S. sanctions and does not rule out the use of force as a means of self-defense. In negotiations, the United States must simultaneously consider domestic political pressures, the security needs of its allies—particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia—and international expectations regarding nuclear non-proliferation. If negotiations stall, the Trump administration may still resort to military action when necessary to protect U.S. interests.

In summary, Trump’s remarks do not signal a complete abandonment of military options, but rather position diplomatic progress as a critical reference point for decision-making. A breakthrough in diplomacy could bring a new turning point to U.S.-Iran relations and inject positive momentum into peace and stability in the Middle East. (Source: Central News Agency)