Trump: I’d Rather Make a Deal Than Kill People, but Iran Will Never Get a Nuclear Weapon

President Donald Trump said the United States continues to pursue a diplomatic solution with Iran while maintaining maximum military pressure to prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Speaking in Nevada, Trump said American forces have been hitting Iranian targets hard but emphasized that his preference is to avoid further bloodshed through a negotiated agreement.

"I would rather make a deal because I don't want to kill people," Trump said.

The President revealed that plans had been prepared for what he described as an extremely large military operation before communications with Iran resumed. Trump said discussions are continuing despite public denials from Iranian officials.

"We are talking. Let's see what happens. But they respect us. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," Trump said.

Military Pressure and Diplomacy Continue Side by Side

Trump's comments echoed remarks made during a Fox News interview, where he confirmed ongoing communications with Tehran while warning that additional military action could follow if the Strait of Hormuz remains threatened.

"Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. The Strait's going to be open very soon, or they're going to get hit very hard," he said.

The President also dismissed repeated Iranian denials of direct talks, saying negotiations are taking place even as Tehran publicly claims otherwise.

Trump Says Iran Wants a Deal

When asked how long he would continue pursuing diplomacy, Trump replied that he had "plenty of time," while stressing that every opportunity for a peaceful resolution should be exhausted before considering a much larger military operation.

"I think we're going to maybe get something, but I want to give them every last chance before decapitation," Trump said. "I'd rather not do it."

Earlier, Trump criticized Iran's leadership on Truth Social, accusing the regime of publicly denying negotiations after privately requesting talks.

"Iranian leadership is unbelievably duplicitous! They ask for a meeting... talks begin... and then they publicly say they aren't having any discussions," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The administration continues to insist that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a non-negotiable U.S. objective while leaving the door open for a negotiated settlement if Tehran changes course.