Fact Check: "Trump said he does not want Israel to target Iran as negotiations on a potential nuclear deal continue."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, President Donald Trump made statements regarding the ongoing negotiations with Iran about a potential nuclear deal and the recent Israeli strikes against Iran. During a phone call with CNN, Trump expressed his support for Israel but also indicated that he did not want Israel to take military action against Iran while negotiations were ongoing. He stated, “I want to have an agreement with Iran. We’re fairly close to an agreement. … As long as I think there is an agreement, I don’t want them going in because that would blow it” (CNN). This suggests that Trump was advocating for diplomatic solutions rather than military interventions at that time.
Additionally, Trump warned Iran to reach a deal “before there is nothing left,” implying that he believed military actions could escalate if negotiations failed (Axios). He emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, “I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t get it done” (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump stated he does not want Israel to target Iran during negotiations is supported by his own words in the CNN interview. His emphasis on wanting to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran indicates a clear preference for negotiations over military action. This aligns with his broader strategy of attempting to salvage the nuclear talks, as indicated by his comments about the ongoing negotiations and the potential consequences of Israeli military actions (CNN, Axios).
However, it is important to note that while Trump expressed a desire for diplomacy, he also acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself and described their recent strikes as “a very successful attack” (CNN). This duality in his statements reflects a complex position where he supports Israel's actions while simultaneously urging restraint to facilitate negotiations.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including major news outlets such as CNN, Axios, and CBS News, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. However, as with any political statement, there may be nuances and interpretations that could affect the perception of his intentions.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Trump did indeed express that he does not want Israel to target Iran as negotiations on a potential nuclear deal continue. His statements during the CNN interview clearly indicate his preference for diplomatic engagement over military action, despite his support for Israel's right to defend itself. This nuanced position reflects the complexities of international relations and the balancing act required in diplomatic negotiations.
