Trump: Iran is "begging" for a deal and Washington does not rule out a new strike

Washington —
US President Donald Trump said that Iran is strongly seeking to reach an agreement with the United States, affirming that Washington "is considering the matter" but will not allow Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.

Trump added that he was one hour away from issuing an order to attack Iran, before deciding to postpone the operation, indicating that the military option is still on the table despite the continuation of the negotiation process.

The US president stressed that preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon represents a red line for his administration, saying that this will happen "no matter the cost."

He also pointed out that the United States might have to strike Iran again, but said he is not yet sure if that is necessary, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty about the course of the crisis.

Trump's statements come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, and amid diplomatic efforts to reach an understanding to halt the escalation in the Gulf and impose new restrictions on the Iranian nuclear program.