U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran and Israel to “make a deal” amid rising tensions and escalating military strikes between the two nations. However, he suggested that a direct confrontation may be unavoidable before any agreement can be reached.

“I think it’s time for a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House ahead of his departure for the G7 summit in Canada. “But sometimes they have to fight it out we’ll see what happens.”

The remarks come as both nations exchange missile strikes in what analysts are calling a dangerous escalation of a long-standing rivalry. After years of indirect conflict through proxies and covert operations, Iran and Israel appear to be entering a phase of open military engagement, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Tensions spiked on Friday when Israel launched a series of coordinated airstrikes, reportedly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military sites, and residential areas. The attacks allegedly resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

When pressed on whether he had asked Israel to halt its offensive, Trump declined to comment.

Separately, a senior U.S. official disclosed that Trump had recently vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a move that could have dramatically escalated the conflict.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump reiterated his view that peace is still possible, noting that “many calls and meetings” are currently underway. He expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached soon between the two longtime adversaries.