By Ayomide Otitoju
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could potentially become involved in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, while also revealing that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to mediate.
Speaking in an off-camera interview with ABC News’ Rachel Scott on Sunday, Trump said, “It’s possible we could get involved,” referring to the growing hostilities between the two Middle Eastern rivals, who have traded intense aerial attacks for three consecutive days.
Trump also confirmed that he had a “long talk” with Putin, who offered to act as a mediator in the conflict. “He is ready. He called me about it,” Trump stated, adding that the Russian leader is prepared to facilitate discussions aimed at de-escalation.
The ongoing military exchange has resulted in significant casualties, with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran.
Meanwhile, the conflict has cast a shadow over nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Oman, a traditional mediator on the nuclear issue, announced the cancellation of a planned sixth round of talks. However, Trump claimed discussions were still ongoing.
“There’s no deadline,” Trump said, referring to the negotiations. “But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They continue to talk.”
The Republican president suggested that the flare-up between Israel and Iran might accelerate diplomatic efforts, saying the crisis “may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually.”
