US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he prefers a diplomatic deal with Iran instead of military action. However, he warned that the United States will never allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. He also said Washington is keeping every option on the table.

Trump Backs Diplomacy but Keeps Military Option Open

Speaking at an event in Las Vegas, Trump said the US had already weakened Iran through recent military action. He added that he wants diplomacy because he does not want more people to die.

“We are knocking the hell out of them. I would rather make a deal, because I do not want to kill people," Trump said.

Trump said the United States remains ready to negotiate. At the same time, he stressed that Washington will act if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.

Trump Claims Iran Requested Talks

Trump claimed that the US had planned a much larger military operation against Iran. However, he said the plan stopped after Iran asked for negotiations.

“We were set for the biggest attack since World War II, and they called me and said, ‘Please don’t do it. Let’s talk.’… We are talking. Let’s see what happens," he said.

Trump again said Iran will never get a nuclear weapon. “They respect us… No other president has done what should have been done a long time ago because Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he averred.

Trump Sends Mixed Signals on Iran

Trump made these remarks just days after sending mixed messages on Iran. He recently switched between warning of military strikes and expressing confidence that both sides could reach an agreement "soon."

His latest comments follow the same approach. He supports diplomacy but refuses to rule out military action.

Iran Nears Oman Agreement

Meanwhile, Iran announced progress on a separate agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the agreement has reached the "final stage."

He said both countries will issue a joint statement if “certain parties" do not interfere with the process. His remarks appeared to refer to the United States.

Iran Denies Negotiations With US

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran and Oman are “on the verge of finalising" the agreement. He added that both sides have resolved almost every issue.

He also rejected reports that Iran is negotiating with the United States over the Strait of Hormuz. He said the talks involve only Iran and Oman.