Trump: “I Didn’t Stop a Strike on Iran – I’m Just Not in a Hurry”

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reports published in the New York Times and elsewhere this evening (Thursday) that claimed he had intervened to block an Israeli strike on Iran planned for May. Trump clarified: “I didn’t stop a strike—I’m just not rushing into one.”

He added: “I believe Iran wants to talk. I hope so. I want to see Iran thrive. I don’t want to hurt anyone—but Iran must never have nuclear weapons.”

The Meeting That Changed the Course of War

According to this morning’s New York Times report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned a broad-scale military operation targeting Iranian nuclear sites as early as May, including aerial strikes, underground infiltration, and coordination with U.S. forces in the region.

However, during his latest meeting with President Trump, Netanyahu was reportedly given a clear message: “No to an Israeli strike.” At the time, Trump was already pursuing direct negotiations with Iran and refused to provide operational support, causing Jerusalem to shelve the attack plans—for now.

Behind the Scenes: Weapons Still Flowing

Despite reports of restraint, on the ground, the picture is different. According to journalist Itay Blumental (KAN 11), the U.S. continues to deliver massive quantities of military supplies to Israel, including a constant airlift of transport planes landing at Nevatim Airbase loaded with bunker-buster bombs and advanced strike munitions.
The goal: keep the military option on the table in case nuclear negotiations break down.

The next round of U.S.–Iran talks is scheduled for this Saturday in Rome, brokered by Omani mediation. The previous round in Oman was described as “positive and constructive,” but both Israel and the international community are watching closely—fingers on the trigger.