Trump on Iran-Israel Tensions: ‘Sometimes They Have to Fight It Out’ Before Making Peace…In a striking comment on the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes the two nations might need to “fight it out” before any meaningful peace deal can be reached.
His remarks, made during an impromptu exchange with reporters, come amid a surge in hostilities that has seen both sides launch attacks and counterattacks, raising concerns about a broader regional war.
Speaking just before leaving for the G7 summit in Canada, Trump acknowledged the severity of the conflict but offered a perspective that many found surprising.
“Sometimes countries have to fight it out,” he said, referring to the intensifying clashes.
“You hate to see it. But sometimes that’s what has to happen before you can sit down and really make a deal.”
Trump’s comments appeared to suggest a hands-off approach, at least in the short term, and drew criticism from some observers who believe the U.S. should play a more proactive role in de-escalating the conflict.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that, eventually, both sides would come to the negotiating table.
“I think they’ll come to terms,” he added. “Israel and Iran will make a deal. It’ll be tough, but it can happen. I’ve done it before with others.
You know, I got India and Pakistan to talk, I got North Korea to the table — I think this can happen too.”
The former president stopped short of saying whether he had spoken directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or had encouraged a pause in Israeli strikes.
He also did not clarify if he had made contact with Iranian officials.
What he did emphasize, however, was America’s continued support for Israel’s right to defend itself, echoing past policy positions during his administration.
The backdrop to Trump’s remarks is a sharp escalation in military activity between Israel and Iran.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes have targeted key Iranian military installations, and Iran has responded with missile attacks that struck several Israeli cities.
Civilian casualties have mounted on both sides, prompting international concern and calls for restraint.
Iranian state media reported that among those killed in the Israeli strikes was a top intelligence official, while Israeli sources said Iranian missiles had damaged infrastructure and homes, leading to civilian evacuations in parts of the country.
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As the violence escalates, diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict have struggled to gain traction.
European leaders gathering at the G7 summit have voiced frustration with Trump’s rhetoric and urged him to use his influence to press Israel for a ceasefire.
Several G7 nations are reportedly planning to present a joint statement calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
Despite this, Trump remains optimistic that his brand of deal-making could eventually play a role in resolving the crisis.
“I know how to get people to the table,” he said.
“Sometimes, you have to let them go through the motions. After that, they’ll be ready to talk.”
His comments have generated a mixed response internationally.
Critics argue that suggesting further conflict as a pathway to peace is dangerous and irresponsible, especially when civilian lives are at stake.
Supporters, on the other hand, see it as a realistic acknowledgment of how entrenched and complex the Iran-Israel conflict has become.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains tense. Both Israel and Iran have warned their citizens to prepare for possible escalations, and neither side has signaled a willingness to back down.
In such an atmosphere, the prospect of peace appears distant — yet, as Trump insists, not impossible.
Whether the region inches closer to war or finds a path to negotiation may depend not only on actions taken by the two adversaries but also on whether international actors, including the U.S., choose to intervene with diplomacy, pressure, or continued restraint.
