United States President Donald Trump on Sunday said it is possible that the US could become involved in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
The Republican president, according to ABC News, also said talks over Iran’s nuclear programme were continuing and that Tehran would “like to make a deal,” perhaps more quickly now that the Islamic republic is trading massive strikes with Israel.
“It’s possible we could get involved” in the ongoing battle between the Middle East arch-foes, Trump said in an off-camera interview with ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott that was not previously publicised.
Trump also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate the conflict.
“He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it,” Trump said.
The remarks came amid a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Early Sunday, Iran launched a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities, including Bat Yam and Tamra, in response to Israeli attacks that reportedly targeted key Iranian nuclear, military, and oil sites.
The strikes have led to significant casualties, including several Iranian generals and multiple Israeli civilians.
In Tamra, four people, including a child, were confirmed dead following the overnight missile attack.
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In Bat Yam, rescue teams continued to search through rubble for survivors.
The confrontation marks the third consecutive day of mutual aerial bombardments between the two longtime adversaries.
Trump also addressed ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite the cancellation of a planned sixth round of US-Iran talks in Oman, he stated that communication between the two nations is continuing.
“There’s no deadline,” Trump said when asked about a timeframe for reaching a deal.
“But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk,” he said according to Scott.
Trump suggested that the intensifying military conflict might accelerate progress toward a nuclear agreement.
“It may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually,” he said.