Amid surging tensions between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Israel to refrain from launching further military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing that a renewed nuclear agreement with Tehran is “very close” and within diplomatic reach.

The statement comes just days after Israel launched five waves of airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, igniting fears of a broader regional war. While Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, he warned that continued offensive action could undermine fragile progress made during the ongoing backchannel negotiations with Iran.

Trump: “I’m a Man of Peace, Let’s Finish the Deal”

Speaking during a press briefing at the White House, President Trump framed his position as a balancing act between supporting Israel, a longtime ally, and seeking a lasting diplomatic solution with Iran.

“Israel has legitimate security concerns. But right now, we’re closer than ever to a workable nuclear deal. I’ve told Prime Minister Netanyahu: don’t strike while peace is still possible,” Trump said.

He reiterated his belief that Iran could still avert a full-scale conflict if it agrees to deeper nuclear transparency and limits on uranium enrichment key sticking points in the current negotiations.

“I am, and always have been, a man of peace. We don’t need another war in the Middle East. We need solutions.”

Nuclear Deal Talks: 6th Round Set in Oman

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, is scheduled to lead a sixth round of indirect talks with Iranian negotiators this Sunday in Muscat, Oman a long-time neutral mediator in U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

Sources close to the negotiations say Oman has helped bridge significant gaps, especially around Iran’s compliance with IAEA inspections and its ballistic missile development program.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close,” Witkoff said in a brief statement to reporters. “The stakes couldn’t be higher.”

U.S. Draws Red Lines: No Offensive Support for Israel’s Strikes

While reaffirming support for Israel’s security, President Trump also made it clear that the United States will not provide offensive military assistance for any unilateral Israeli strike on Iranian soil.

“We are not authorizing or assisting in offensive operations against Iran,” a senior U.S. defense official confirmed. “We remain focused on diplomacy but we’re monitoring the situation closely.”

American forces in the Persian Gulf and eastern Mediterranean remain on high alert, with the Pentagon emphasizing defensive posturing only.

Israel’s Response: Netanyahu Vows to “Act if Needed”

Despite Trump’s appeal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant in a televised address late Thursday, stating:

“Israel will act, with or without permission, if our survival is threatened. We appreciate the friendship of the United States, but we must do what is necessary.”

However, sources inside Israel’s Defense Ministry suggest that military leaders are closely watching the diplomatic developments in Oman and may pause further strikes temporarily, depending on Iran’s next move.

Regional Stakes: War or Diplomatic Breakthrough?

The renewed focus on diplomacy comes amid intense global concern over the potential for full-scale war. A successful deal could stabilize much of the Middle East, bring sanctions relief to Iran, and prevent a dangerous nuclear arms race.

However, failure could spark a tit-for-tat escalation involving Israel, Iran, U.S. regional assets, and Iran’s proxy groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

The coming days particularly Sunday’s negotiations may prove pivotal in deciding whether the region steps back from the brink, or plunges into deeper conflict.