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

FILE PHOTO: President Donald J. Trump speaks with members of the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, April 16, 2026, en route Joint Base Andrews for a trip to Las Vegas. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley)

WASHINGTON, May 18 (Reuters) - 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)