Iran signals it wants an end to Israel hostilities—but only if Trump stays away

Iran is open to deescalating tensions with Israel, but it is contingent with President Donald Trump and the U.S. staying out of the hostilities, according to a new report.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that after several days of mutual bombing, Iran "seeks an end to hostilities and resumption of talks over its nuclear programs."

Iranian officials reportedly spoke with Arab diplomats, saying that they think "Israel lacked a clear exit strategy and would need U.S. help to do meaningful damage to targets such as the Fordow uranium-enrichment facility, which is buried under a mountain."

On Sunday, Trump told reporters it was time for a deal.

"We’ll see what happens, but sometimes they have to fight it out,” Trump said.

However, one Arab official said that Iran knows that under the current leadership, the U.S. is closely allied with Israel, the report said.

“The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” the official said. “But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”

Iran also told Arab officials that if there are no prospects of resuming talks with the U.S. over a denuclearization deal, "it could accelerate its nuclear program and expand the scope of the war," the report added.

The Arab intermediaries said that "there is no indication" that Iran would make new concessions if the talks with the U.S. continue

In 2015, Iran signed a deal with several world powers referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

Read the full report here.