President Donald Trump told Axios on Saturday that the odds of reaching a deal with Iran versus resuming military bombing are “solid 50/50,” as he prepares to meet senior advisers to review the latest draft agreement. The President indicated a decision could come as early as Sunday, marking a critical inflection point in the prolonged conflict.
Trump acknowledged internal administration division, stating “some people would much rather have a deal and others would rather resume the war.” He rejected characterizations that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is worried about an unfavorable agreement, instead describing the Israeli leader as “torn” between diplomatic and military pathways.
Israeli officials directly contradicted Trump’s portrayal, confirming Netanyahu is “highly concerned” about the current draft and has actively urged Trump to authorize another round of strikes against Iranian targets. The Prime Minister’s alarm reflects reports that the proposed agreement excludes core American demands on enriched uranium removal and ballistic missile program termination.
The President’s 50/50 framing represents stark departure from earlier confident predictions of imminent deal completion. It follows weeks of “agonizing” negotiations described by U.S. officials as producing daily drafts without significant progress, and comes after Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir travelled to Tehran for emergency consultations with Iranian leadership.
Trump’s scheduled Sunday decision timeline creates compressed window for either breakthrough or authorization of expanded military operations. Military planners have previously presented detailed strike packages targeting Iranian power plants, bridges, and infrastructure should diplomacy fail definitively.
Trump Says Iran Deal or Bombing ‘Solid 50/50’
Trump puts Iran deal odds at "solid 50/50" ahead of Sunday decision meeting, acknowledging internal split between deal-makers and war advocates. Netanyahu described as "torn" by Trump but Israeli officials confirm he urges renewed strikes over current draft terms.
