WASHINGTON—U.S. President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three U.S. officials said on May 16.
“He doesn’t want to go to war. It’s not who he is,” one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Trump has communicated to his national security team and other aides, including the acting secretary of defense chief Patrick Shanahan, that he does not want to see tensions with Tehran escalate, the officials said.
But he has also made clear that he will protect U.S. interests in the region, one official said.
Trump won the 2016 election in part by promising to stay out of conflicts abroad after what he viewed as costly wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Earlier this year he ordered U.S. troops out of Syria but was persuaded to leave some in.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that he hoped the United States was not heading to war with Iran as he met with Switzerland President Ueli Maurer, whose nation has served as a liaison conduit between the two countries since they do not have diplomatic relations.
“Hope not,” Trump said when asked by reporters if Washington was going to war with Tehran.
Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Earlier this week, the United States pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf.
“The president has been clear, the United States does not seek military conflict with Iran, and he is open to talks with Iranian leadership. However, Iran’s default option for 40 years has been violence, and we will protect U.S. personnel and interests in the region,” said Garrett Marquis, spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
A White House statement said the two leaders discussed “a range of international issues, including the crises in the Middle East and in Venezuela.”
Trump has said publicly he wants to pursue a diplomatic route with Iran a year after withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Responding to reports of infighting between him and his advisers, such as White House national security adviser John Bolton, Trump tweeted, “There is no infighting whatsoever. Different opinions are expressed and I make a decisive and final decision - it is a very simple process. All sides, views, and policies are covered.
“I’m sure that Iran will want to talk soon,” Trump added, indicating his preference for direct negotiations if needed, which would be contrary to the advice of some advisors, the WSJ reported.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” that there is no friction between Trump and his advisers and he welcomes different viewpoints.
“He’s the one the American people elected. He’s going to take in the information and the guidance from all of his national security team and he then will make a decision on what he thinks is the best and safest thing for the American people,” she said.
Classified Briefings Expected
Congressional sources said on Thursday that officials from the Trump administration will conduct classified briefings on the situation with Iran next week, after both Democratic and Republican lawmakers asked for more information.Congressional aides said that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph Dunford and Shanahan would hold a session on Tuesday afternoon for all members of the Senate.
Aides in the House of Representatives said they also expected a briefing next week with Pompeo, but other details had not yet been made final.
