Trump says U.S. and Iran near nuclear deal despite Tehran's recent pause in talks
President Trump told NBC that the United States and Iran are close to an agreement to end the three‑month conflict, even as Iran announced it was halting back‑channel negotiations.
President Donald Trump told NBC's Meet the Press that the United States and Iran are "very close" to a deal that would end the three‑month war and prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He said Iran had agreed in principle to abandon its nuclear weapons pursuit and that the United States would assist in eliminating its highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Trump added that the remaining gaps in the proposal are “small but substantive,” and that he is working to expand the language so Iran would be barred from both developing and buying a nuclear weapon. He warned that if a deal is not reached, the United States would take military action against Iran.
Iran’s state‑affiliated Tasnim News Agency reported earlier in the week that Tehran was suspending back‑channel exchanges with Washington, citing continued cease‑fire violations, and signaled it could close the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also warned that U.S. bases used to strike Iran could become legitimate targets.
Negotiators are still divided over issues such as the extent of sanctions relief, the disposition of Iran’s existing enriched‑uranium stockpile, and whether a naval blockade would end when the Strait of Hormuz reopens. The proposed framework would extend the cease‑fire by 60 days and launch formal talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
Republican senators, including Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, have expressed concern that the emerging terms could strengthen Iran’s strategic position. Trump also commented on Iran’s new leadership, describing Mojtaba Khamenei as “younger” and “more rational,” and said he might have direct contact with him.
During the interview, Trump said the United States has about 50,000 troops in the region and that withdrawing them before a deal would be “foolhardy,” as their presence provides leverage in negotiations. A recent Ipsos poll indicated that 52% of Americans view the military action in Iran as not worthwhile.
