World

Donald Trump says 'good chance' of Iran nuclear deal after delaying strike

By Steve Holland Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the White House campus in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the White House campus in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Jonathan Ernst Reuters

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said on Monday there was a "very good chance" the United States could reach an agreement with Iran to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, hours after saying he had postponed a planned military attack to allow negotiations to continue.

Trump said leaders from key U.S. allies in the Middle East had asked him to delay a planned military attack on Iran scheduled for Tuesday to allow negotiations with Tehran to continue, while warning the U.S. remained prepared to launch a large-scale assault if no agreement is reached.

"There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy," Trump told reporters gathered for a drug price announcement on Monday.

(Reporting By Steve Holland and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Deepa Babington)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 3:15 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER