Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jun 14: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Israel's recent strikes on Iran might actually help in reviving stalled nuclear deal talks. In an interview with Axios, Trump said the attack could lead Iran to take negotiations more seriously.

"I don't think so. Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously," he said when asked if the strikes would hurt diplomatic efforts.

Trump also revealed he had come close to sealing a nuclear deal with Iran during his tenure but missed the window. “They were close, they should have done it. Maybe now it will happen,” he added.

As per Axios, Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, their first since the recent attack. He refused to divulge any details of the conversation, including whether Netanyahu had asked for direct US involvement in the operation.

Speaking to multiple media outlets, Trump repeatedly warned Iran to engage in talks or face harsher consequences. "They missed the opportunity to make a deal. Now, they may have another opportunity. We'll see," he told NBC News.

To Reuters, he said, “They can still work out a deal, however, it's not too late.” He also posted on Truth Social: “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”

A Reuters report revealed that the US State Department had notified Qatar and other key Middle East allies just hours before the Israeli strike.

Speaking to The Washington Post, Trump claimed prior knowledge of the Israeli operation. “I always knew the date,” he said. “Because I know everything.”