Trump 'reluctant' to express optimism on Mideast peace

Speaking at a press conference, Trump remained skeptical of resolving the conflict.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2017 22:29

Updated: SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 00:58

US President Donald Trump pauses during a statement at the White House (photo credit: JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS) — US President Donald Trump pauses during a statement at the White House

(photo credit: JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS)

WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump expressed "reluctance" on Thursday that peace is possible to achieve between Israelis and Palestinians, speaking at a press conference with reporters at the White House alongside the emir of Kuwait.

Trump said that discussions continue between his "top talent" and diplomats from both sides, and lauded the relationships that his team has built with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

“I think there is a chance that there could be peace,” Trump said. “But again, I say that a little bit reluctantly. We’re going to give it our best.”

Once again the president referred to Middle East peace as “the world’s most complex and difficult deal ,” after expressing interest in a comprehensive peace agreement several times throughout his presidential campaign, as well as in the early months of his administration.

“I think the Palestinians would like to see it happen. I think the Israelis would like to see it happen,” he added.

But “sometimes people think they’re close and it never happens.”

“The relationships that we have with both could help ,” he said.