Washington, DC: President Donald Trump has stated that he “hopefully” sees no need for military action against Iran, signalling a potential lowering the escalating threats over Tehran’s nuclear programme and protest crackdowns, reports said. The Thursday remarks, delivered to reporters at the White House, follow days of warnings including a US armada deployment and vows of strikes “far worse” than June 2025 attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump, speaking after confirming ongoing talks with Iranian counterparts, emphasized diplomacy: “I have had discussions and am planning more. We want a fair deal—no nuclear weapons,” reports quoted him as saying. This softens his January 28 Truth Social post, where he demanded Tehran negotiate or face overwhelming force, citing a carrier strike group’s rapid approach. This comes amid Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejecting threats, insisting negotiations cannot proceed under duress while vowing retaliation against US bases.
Context stems from Iran’s brutal suppression of anti-regime protests erupting earlier this month, killing dozens and prompting Trump’s regime-change hints, including calls for new leadership beyond Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
US preconditions include halting uranium enrichment — disabled since June strikes — curbing ballistic missiles, and ending proxy support in Yemen and Lebanon. Secretary of state Marco Rubio described naval buildup as “defensive prudence” for 40,000 regional troops, while sources note Trump weighs targeted strikes on leadership or facilities.
