Trump: ‘Not in a Rush’ to Strike Iran, It Can ‘Live Happily Without Death’

President Donald Trump said he is “not in a rush” to authorize military action against Iran, emphasizing a preference for diplomacy but warning that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.

Speaking alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, Trump responded to reports that he discouraged an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, stating, “I wouldn’t say waved off. I’m not in a rush to do it,” while adding that Iran still has a chance “to live happily without death.”

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift in tone amid rising tensions with Iran. While the administration maintains a “maximum pressure” policy, the president’s public openness to dialogue comes just as U.S.-Iran diplomacy resumes.

A second round of talks are scheduled for Saturday. The timing underscores growing concern over Iran’s nuclear trajectory as well as Israel’s increasingly assertive posture.

US President Donald Trump takes questions from members of the media as he meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025….
US President Donald Trump takes questions from members of the media as he meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with Donald Trump Thursday in Washington, hoping a personal charm offensive can help convince the US president to cut a more favourable deal on EU tariffs.
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What to Know

Responding to a New York Times report that he discouraged a proposed Israeli strike on Iran, Trump clarified that he hadn’t ruled it out, but preferred diplomacy, “I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death, and I’d like to see that. That’s my first option.”

“If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran. And I think Iran is wanting to talk. I hope they’re wanting to talk. It’s going to be very good for them if they do, I don’t want to do anything that’s going to hurt anybody. I really don’t, but Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.” he added.

2015 Obama Deal

Trump reiterated his long-standing opposition to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) brokered under former President Barack Obama. He called it “a terrible deal” and criticized its expiration clauses, saying, “It would have expired, and that gave them a clear path to a nuclear weapon. It was way too short. You know, when countries are involved, you don’t make short-term deals. These are countries with long lives, and I terminated that.”

Talks Resume in Rome

Meanwhile, Oman has ended speculation over the location of the second round of talks between Iran and the U.S. by officially confirming that the meeting will be held this Saturday in Rome. A spokesman for Oman’s foreign ministry stated on X that the Italian capital was chosen for logistical reasons and would host representatives from both countries. The first round took place last Saturday in Muscat. The White House described those discussions as “very positive and constructive.”

What People Are Saying

U.S. President Donald Trump: “I wouldn’t say waved off. I’m not in a rush to do it, because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death. “If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran. And I think Iran is wanting to talk. I hope they’re wanting to talk.”

Oman’s foreign ministry posted on X: “The aim of the talks will be to make further progress towards reaching a just, binding and sustainable agreement.”

Seth Krummrich, Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Vice President at Global Guardian told Newsweek: “The U.S. hope is that military force will not be necessary and they can secure a new deal/progress. Iran wants relief from sanctions and breathing room to regenerate their forces and maintain stability domestically.”

What Happens Next

The Rome talks could help determine whether diplomacy with Iran is still viable. Trump’s measured comments suggest flexibility, but his administration’s hardline position leaves little room for compromise.

US President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with Donald Trump…
US President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets with Donald Trump Thursday in Washington, hoping a personal charm offensive can help convince the US president to cut a more favourable deal on EU tariffs.
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Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images