‘They’re doing the sensible thing’: Trump says Iran has ‘agreed not to have nuclear weapons’
US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed it will “never have a nuclear weapon”, while fighting continues in the region and Tehran has publicly denied that formal talks are underway.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump expressed confidence that diplomatic efforts were gaining momentum after nearly a month of war. He said, “The fact is that they are talking to us and they are talking intelligently. It all starts with this: They can’t have nuclear weapons. They said, what are the top 10? I said, No. 1, 2 and 3 is that they can’t have nuclear weapons… They have agreed that they will never have nuclear weapons.”
Trump also claimed that Iran had sent a “huge gift” linked to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a sign that the US was “dealing with the right people”. He did not elaborate on the nature of the move, but linked it to broader efforts to reopen the vital oil shipping route that has been disrupted during the conflict.The President said that America is in a strong position for negotiations. He said, “We’ll have control over whatever we want. If we can end this without any more lives being lost… I would like to be able to do that. They can’t have some things. It starts with no nuclear weapons and they’ve agreed to that.”Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian officials have rejected claims that talks are taking place. Tehran has instead struck a defiant tone, saying it will continue fighting “until complete victory”, even as international mediation efforts are gaining momentum.Pakistan has emerged as a potential mediator, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offering to host the talks. Trump acknowledged that several senior figures were involved in the outreach efforts, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner.Reports suggest Washington has presented a 15-point proposal that would impose strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program, including ending uranium enrichment and transferring enriched material. In return, sanctions relief and assistance to civilian nuclear energy projects could be offered, as well as guarantees to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.There are also indications that a temporary ceasefire could be considered to make room for negotiations, although no formal agreement has been confirmed.
Even when talks are discussed, war intensifies
On the ground, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Israeli strikes have targeted allied targets throughout Iran and the region, while Iranian missiles and drones have attacked Israel and neighboring countries.The United States is also increasing its military footprint, with the 82nd Airborne Division expected to deploy about 1,000 troops to join the thousands of Marines already headed to the Middle East. The build-up has fueled speculation that Washington is preparing contingency plans even as it pursues diplomacy.At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of talks, with the disruption sending global oil prices soaring and raising concerns about macroeconomic consequences.