Why it matters:
Trump's comments present a facade of seeking diplomacy and dialogue with Iran, suggesting a willingness to engage in negotiations. However, this approach is undermined by his actions, as he simultaneously pushes for increased sanctions and economic pressure on Iran.
What he's saying:
Trump says, “I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bomb the hell out of it. . . . They don’t want to die. Nobody wants to die.” He added, “If we made the deal, Israel wouldn’t bomb them.”
Go deeper:
Trump's remarks suggest he is employing a "carrot and stick" approach, indicating that there is no balance between the promise of negotiation and the threat of military intervention.
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