Trump urges Iran to make a deal

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Friday called on Iran to strike a deal over its nuclear programme, warning that there was still time to avoid further conflict with Israel.

His statement came after Israel launched widespread airstrikes on Iran, claiming it had hit nuclear sites, missile production units, and top military officials in an operation meant to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “There has already been great loss of life and destruction, but there’s still a chance to stop this bloodshed. The next round of attacks will be even more devastating.” Trump urged Iran to act before it was too late. “Iran must make a deal before there’s nothing left. They need to save what once was the great Iranian Empire.”

Trump said he had repeatedly warned Iranian authorities and offered them chances to make a deal, but they failed to act. “I told them in clear terms — just do it. But despite their efforts and getting close, they couldn’t close the deal,” he added.

While Trump did not directly say if the US would join the military offensive, he vowed to keep supplying Israel with weapons. “Israel has plenty, and more is on the way — and they know how to use it,” he said.

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