US President Donald Trump has signaled the possibility of American involvement in the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran, while also revealing that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in mediating the tensions.
Trump made these remarks during an off-camera discussion with ABC News’ senior political correspondent Rachel Scott, in a conversation that had not previously been made public.
In the interview, which was later referenced by ABC News, Trump stated that although the United States is “not at this moment” directly engaged in the hostilities unfolding in the Middle East, it is within the realm of possibility that it could eventually take a more active role. “It’s possible we could get involved,” Trump said, suggesting that the ongoing military confrontation might draw Washington further into the region’s geopolitical entanglements.
Trump’s comments came against the backdrop of intensifying clashes between Iran and Israel, with both nations launching aerial strikes for a third consecutive day. These exchanges have led to mounting casualties, with Israel’s offensive reportedly targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, prompting retaliatory action from Tehran.
In a significant revelation, Trump shared that Putin had reached out to him and expressed readiness to play the role of a mediator in the escalating crisis. “He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it,” Trump said, hinting at behind-the-scenes diplomatic communication involving Moscow amid the volatile regional dynamics.
He also touched on the stalled nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, asserting that talks were still ongoing despite growing tensions. While Oman—a longtime diplomatic conduit between Washington and Tehran—confirmed that a planned sixth round of talks had been called off over the weekend, Trump insisted that dialogue was continuing. “No, there’s no deadline,” he said in response to a question about whether a time limit had been set for negotiations. “But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk.”
Trump speculated that the current escalation between Israel and Iran might serve as a catalyst for progress in the nuclear discussions. “It may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually,” he suggested, implying that the urgency brought on by military confrontation could drive both parties back to the negotiating table with renewed commitment.
His comments come as international concerns grow over the potential for the Iran-Israel conflict to spiral into a wider regional war, especially with increased military activity and civilian casualties. Although Trump did not elaborate on what form potential U.S. involvement might take, his remarks raise questions about Washington’s evolving position on the crisis and whether it may eventually adopt a more proactive stance.
As Trump alluded to broader geopolitical calculations and behind-the-scenes diplomacy, his statements also reflect the continued influence he holds in shaping discourse around U.S. foreign policy, particularly as he remains a central figure in the Republican political landscape.
What you should know
Trump’s remarks underscore the complexity of the Iran-Israel conflict and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. His openness to American involvement and mention of Putin as a possible mediator add an unexpected dimension to the ongoing diplomatic and military developments.
Despite the cancellation of a formal round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, Trump’s assertion that discussions are still alive suggests potential for future negotiations, especially if the conflict intensifies further.
