WASHINGTON : In a post on Truth Social, Trump directly addressed speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had persuaded him to consider military action against Iran. Refuting the claims, Trump stated, “Israel never persuaded me to go to war with Iran,” adding that it was the events of October 7 that strengthened his belief that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

The statement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and renewed scrutiny over Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying that “the consequences for Iran would be staggering,” signaling a potentially hardline approach if diplomatic efforts fail.

At the same time, the United States is preparing to resume negotiations in Pakistan, even as Iran has yet to formally outline its position. Trump suggested that there remains an opportunity for a different path, noting that “if the new leaders are smart, Iran could have a great and prosperous future.”

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