Trump: Military action still on table if Iran refuses nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump signaled on Wednesday that military action against Iran remains a strong possibility should Tehran refuse to abandon its nuclear ambitions, adding that "Israel" would play a leading role in any such operation.

Speaking to reporters just days ahead of anticipated US-Iran discussions in Oman, Trump stated, “If it requires military, we’re going to have military. Israel will obviously be very much involved in that. They’ll be the leader of that. But nobody leads us, but we do what we want to do.”

The comments come amid rising tensions and limited time to secure a breakthrough on the Iranian nuclear file. While Trump described the upcoming engagement as “direct,” Iranian officials have clarified that any talks with the US would be conducted indirectly.

"Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for Trump’s diplomatic push but remains cautious, given his long-standing skepticism toward Iran. Netanyahu has consistently advocated for tougher measures against Tehran and was instrumental in urging Trump to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal during his presidency.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu said he would welcome a diplomatic resolution modeled on Libya’s 2003 agreement to dismantle its nuclear program. However, while Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi agreed to fully relinquish his secret weapons development, Iran maintains that its nuclear activities—monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—are for peaceful purposes and should continue.

The upcoming talks in Oman are seen as a last-ditch effort to de-escalate growing regional instability, but both Washington and Tel Aviv have made clear that military options are not off the table if diplomacy fails.