Trump Says He Advised Netanyahu Against Iran Strike to Allow Time for Nuclear Talks

‘It’s not a warning. I said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate [to conduct strikes on Iran],”’ the president says.

President Donald Trump takes questions during a swearing-in ceremony for the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, at the White House on May 28, 2025. Leah Millis/Reuters

President Donald Trump said on May 28 that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to conduct military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and capabilities so that there could be more time for the United States to reach a nuclear deal with the regime.

“Well, I'd like to be honest, yes, I did. Next question, please. I did,” Trump said when asked about reports that the president told Netanyahu not to take military action against Iran so as not to jeopardize what he said are “very good discussions” between the United States and Iran to ensure that Tehran’s nuclear program will not lead to any nuclear weapon production.