The Blubber

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that American involvement in the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel remains a possibility. He also indicated that he would be open to Russian President Vladimir Putin stepping in as a mediator.

In an interview with ABC News, Trump, a Republican, noted that discussions around Iran’s nuclear ambitions were ongoing. He suggested that the intensifying exchange of military strikes between Iran and Israel could push Tehran closer to reaching a deal.

Despite his claim, there has been no visible sign of diplomatic progress since Israel launched an offensive inside Iran early Friday. In fact, Iran canceled what would have been a sixth round of nuclear negotiations with the U.S., originally scheduled for Sunday.

“It’s possible we could get involved,” Trump told ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott in an off-camera conversation. He clarified, however, that the U.S. was not currently engaged in any military action.

Trump has consistently backed Israel's military actions, calling the strikes on Iran "excellent" and confirming that the U.S. was informed in advance of the Israeli offensive.

While the United States has helped defend Israel from incoming missile attacks, it has not participated in direct military action against Iran. Analysts say that any comprehensive effort to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would likely require U.S. capabilities, such as specialized bunker-busting munitions, due to the depth of some of Iran’s facilities.

As for Putin—currently waging a prolonged war in Ukraine—Trump said the Russian leader expressed interest in mediating. “He’s ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk,” Trump told ABC.

Sunday marked the third day of intense aerial clashes between Iran and Israel, with mounting casualties as Israel pursued significant strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and military assets.

Both Iran and Oman, the latter previously serving as an intermediary in nuclear discussions, have announced that upcoming talks have been canceled. Nonetheless, Trump maintained that communication channels remain open.

“There’s no deadline,” Trump said when asked if Tehran had a limited window to return to negotiations. “But they are talking. They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking. They continue to talk,” he added, according to ABC’s Scott.