Trump on Iran: War Almost Over, Negotiations Possible
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the conflict with Iran is “very close to being over.” He asserted that recent actions by the U.S. have successfully hindered Iran’s path to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump also hinted that negotiations could potentially restart quickly, depending on the administration’s interest.
In a pre-recorded interview scheduled for Wednesday morning, Trump defended the military operation against Iran and stated that Iran would struggle to recover from the damage sustained.
“We had to take a detour. Otherwise, Iran would have nuclear weapons right now,” Trump remarked. He emphasized the risks of a nuclear-armed Iran bringing everyone together for destabilizing purposes.
When asked if the war had ended, Trump replied, “I think it’s nearing an end. Yeah. I mean, I see it as very close to an end.”
He later commented, “If I raise the stakes now, it will take 20 years to rebuild that country. We’re not done yet. Let’s see what happens. I think they want a deal very badly.”
Trump’s comments followed reports that Washington and Tehran were preparing to renegotiate after a recent failed round of discussions mediated by Pakistan that lasted nearly 21 hours.
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump mentioned that talks “could take place over the next two days,” noting that the U.S. was “very likely” to return to Islamabad for further negotiations, crediting Pakistan’s General Asim Munir for his role in facilitating the talks.
Further reports indicated that mediators were actively working to bring both sides back to the negotiating table, with discussions possibly occurring over the upcoming weekend. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, stated that negotiations were quite likely to resume soon.
The initial negotiations, which involved U.S. officials negotiating through intermediaries with Iranian representatives, fell apart when Iran refused to meet key U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program. Trump has consistently maintained that these demands are not up for negotiation.
The breakdown in talks escalated tensions, leading to a U.S. naval blockade against Iranian ports, which Trump framed as a necessary measure against what he described as Iranian attempts to manipulate global energy flow.
Early indications suggest the blockade is already affecting shipping patterns, with U.S. Central Command reporting that ships attempting to enter Iranian ports are being diverted. This reflects the administration’s perspective that both economic and military strategies are pushing Iran towards renegotiations.
On Tuesday night, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller echoed Trump’s strategy, stating that the approach had ‘boxed in’ Iran. He added that whether Iran chooses to negotiate or faces continued isolation, America will prevail in the outcome.
Despite this assertive stance, Trump has shown little inclination to ease U.S. demands, dismissing reports that negotiators might consider a long-term freeze on Iran’s uranium enrichment. He reiterated, “I’ve always said they can’t have nuclear weapons,” opposing any framework that might suggest a partial victory for Tehran.
Vice President J.D. Vance, who led the U.S. delegation to the recent talks, characterized the administration’s approach as an attempt to secure a broad, “grand deal,” rather than a limited agreement. He revealed that the President is seeking Iran to fully renounce its nuclear ambitions while ending its support for terrorism in exchange for comprehensive economic normalization.
Vance acknowledged the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and suggested that, despite past tensions, Iranian negotiators seem genuinely interested in reaching a consensus.
He highlighted that negotiations ultimately stagnated due to the Iranian delegation’s lack of authority to finalize a deal, needing further approval from Tehran. This ongoing dynamic continues to complicate prospects for an agreement, even as diplomatic efforts remain active.
Trump made clear his position at the White House, stating that the U.S. had been communicating with “the right people” in Iran who are eager for a deal. However, he reiterated that without Iran agreeing to abandon its nuclear ambitions, “there will be no deal.”
With a tentative cease-fire still in effect and talks anticipated to resume in the coming days, the U.S. appears to be combining consistent economic and military pressure with diplomatic outreach to compel Tehran into making a final decision regarding U.S. terms or facing further escalation.
