Trump says U.S. was "all set for the biggest attack since World War II" when he called off Iran strikes
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U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that the U.S. was set to launch heavy strikes on Iran this past weekend before he called them off and announced a new round of talks.
"We were all set for the biggest attack since World War II, and they called me, and they said, 'Please don't do it, let's talk,'" CBS News quoted Trump as saying at a rally at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas.
The president claimed that the U.S. is "knocking the hell out of" Iran, but said that he would "rather make a deal, because I don't want to kill people."
Last week, multiple sources told CBS News that the U.S. and Israel were preparing for a new round of joint strikes on Iran.
However, CBS News learned Saturday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Mr. Trump and cautioned him against conducting the strikes.
Hours later Saturday evening, Trump announced in a social media post that he had agreed "to cancel the attack." The president said he had received a request from "Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off" because the parameters of a possible peace deal had "been agreed to."
On Tuesday night, Trump told reporters that a deal was potentially close, and could come as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.