In response to the New York Times Report that President Trump had reportedly waved off an Israeli strike plan on Iranian nuclear facilities, the President stated that:
“I wouldn’t say waved off. I’m not in a rush to do it, because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death, and I’d like to see that. That’s my first option. If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran. And I think Iran is wanting to talk. I hope they’re wanting to talk. It’s going to be very good for them if they do. And I’d like to see Iran thrive in the future, do fantastically well…I know the Iranian people, they’re incredible people, always have been very smart, very energetic, very successful people. And I don’t want to do anything that’s going to hurt anybody, I really don’t, but Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s pretty simple. It’s really simple. We’re not looking to take their industry. We’re not looking to take their land. All we’re saying is you can’t have a nuclear weapon. The deal that was made, the deal that was made with Obama, that deal would have expired already. It was a terrible deal. It would have expired, and that gave them a clear path to a nuclear weapon. I wouldn’t have accepted, that’s why I terminated the deal. Number one, it was way too short. You know, when countries are involved, you don’t make short term deals. These are countries with long lives. I terminated that, and it was a great termination, because it didn’t allow us to do anything. Once it was terminated, you know what the deal was, it was a terrible deal, really one of many terrible deals made by the U.S., but no, I’d like to see Iran thrive, and they can do that, I think, very easily, or they can do it the other way. The other way is not going to be good for them. It’s gonna be really bad for them.”
The New York Times released a report indicating that “Israel had planned to strike Iranian nuclear sites as soon as next month but was waved off by President Trump in recent weeks in favor of negotiating a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program.” The article further details how the Israeli plan, formulated in May, aimed to delay Iran’s nuclear weapon development by at least a year. However, the success of such an operation required U.S. support for both defensive and logistical reasons. And after extended internal discussions within the administration, President Trump ultimately chose a diplomatic path, initiating talks with Iran, which is now currently playing out.
President Trump held a situation room meeting with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other top officials to discuss the status of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. This meeting came just after Witkoff had made statements that the U.S. position was that Iran would have to stop enriching uranium to the level of 20% and to the near weapons-grade level of 60%, without ruling out that the Iranians would be able to continue enriching uranium to the level of 3.67% that is needed for a civilian nuclear energy program.
Special Envoy Witkoff posted the following statement to X:
“A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal. Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East — meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program. It is imperative for the world that we create a tough, fair deal that will endure, and that is what President Trump has asked me to do.”
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff appeared on Fox News where he specifically underscored an Iranian uranium enrichment cap of 3.67%:
“The president’s message of peace through strength, it resonates throughout the world. This is not a threat on my part now, it is just a simple fact. The president means what he says, which is they cannot have a bomb. The conversation with the Iranians will be much about two critical points. One, enrichment – as you mentioned, they do not need to enrich past 3.67%. In some circumstances, they’re at 60% in other circumstances 20% – that cannot be. And you do not need to run, as they claim, a civil nuclear program where you’re enriching past 3.67%. So, this is going to be much about verification on the enrichment program and then ultimately verification on weaponization. That includes missiles, the type of missiles that they have stockpiled there, and it includes the trigger for a bomb. And I think we’re here to have, as the president indicated – and I take my direction from him every day that I go to work –, we’re here to see if we can solve this situation diplomatically and with dialogue. The first meeting was positive, constructive, compelling.
…the devil will be in the details of the document. And hopefully, we’ll have that high quality problem of getting the document drafted. But verification will be the key point that underguards this agreement if we’re fortunate enough to get there. And we’re going to have to have very tight verification. There hasn’t been much in the way of verification in the past several years, prior to our administration. That’s got to change, and if it changes, then we’ll have the basis for positive talks. And if it doesn’t change, then we’ll have to seek alternatives – which would not be good for anybody.”
Foreign Minister Araghchi posted this statement to X following his meeting with Steve Witkoff:
“Constructive and promising round of indirect talks with US Special Envoy @SteveWitkoff, kindly hosted and mediated by my brother @badralbusaidi of the Sultanate of Oman.
The talks were conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
I elaborated Iran’s viewpoints in a firm yet forward-looking manner.
Both sides decided to continue the process in a matter of days.”
The White House released the following statement after talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman concluded on Saturday, April 12, 2025:
“U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steven Witkoff, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima, conducted talks today in Muscat with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi, which were hosted by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. The discussions were very positive and constructive, and the United States deeply thanks the Sultanate of Oman for its support of this initiative. Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations’ differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff’s direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday.”
Following the talks, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi posted this statement to X:
“I am proud to announce that today in Muscat we hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediated to begin a process of dialogue and negotiations with the shared aim of concluding a fair and binding agreement. I would like to thank my two colleagues for this engagement which took place in a friendly atmosphere conducive to bridging viewpoints and ultimately achieving regional and global peace, security and stability. We will continue to work together and put further efforts to assist in arriving at this goal.”
U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met in Muscat for indirect talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. Araghchi reportedly told Iranian state television that there were four exchanges of messages through the Omani mediators during the talks on April 12, 2025. Following the indirect exchanges via Albusaidi, Witkoff and Araghchi reportedly spoke directly to one another for around 45 minutes before departing.
Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of Iran’s parliament as well as a notable critic of the JCPOA, stated that Steve Witkoff agreed to travel to Oman for the talks at Iran’s request. According to a quote from Nabavian: “They (the US) said (Marco) Rubio should come, but we said Witkoff should come, and they accepted.”
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, released this statement on X ahead of the talks in Oman:
“In earnest & with candid vigilance we are giving diplomacy a genuine chance.
U.S. should value this decision formed despite their prevailing confrontational hoopla.
We do not prejudge…
We do not predict…
We intend to assess the other side’s intent & resolve this Saturday.
We shall reflect and respond accordingly.”
During a press briefing, in response to a question regarding Ali Shamkhani’s threat of expelling IAEA inspectors, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated:
“First of all, these actions – the threat of that kind of action, of course, is inconsistent with Iran’s claims of a peaceful nuclear program. All right? Also, expelling IAEA inspectors from Iran would be an escalation and a miscalculation on Iran’s part. The United States remains deeply concerned that Iran is amassing a growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium for which there is no credible peaceful purpose. Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state producing highly enriched uranium at this level.
Also, beyond the threat to expel the international nuclear inspectors but also threatening to transfer its stock of uranium to secret locations – and again, why would one need to do that if it was for peaceful energy work? It doesn’t make much sense. So again, it is an escalation and a miscalculation on Iran’s part if they were to do so.”
Ahead of the U.S. and Iran’s talks in Oman, Ali Shamkhani – senior political advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former secretary of the Supreme National Security Council –, posted to X that:
“The continuation of external threats and Iran being in a state of #military_attack may lead to deterrent measures, including
#expulsion_of_inspectors from IAEA and cessation of cooperation. Transfer of#enriched_materials to secure locations may also be considered.”
The Department of Treasury announced new sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program, “designating five entities and one individual based in Iran for their support to key entities that manage and oversee Iran’s nuclear program, including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the AEOI-subordinate Iran Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA).”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that “Treasury will continue to leverage our tools and authorities to disrupt any attempt by Iran to advance its nuclear program and its broader destabilizing agenda.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi published an op-ed in The Washington Post where he addressed President Trump’s announcement of direct talks, emphasizing Iran’s willingness to secure a deal and trade with the U.S. while also noting that the talks are indirect:
“Regarding Monday’s comments by President Donald Trump, Iran is ready to engage in earnest and with a view to seal a deal. We will meet in Oman on Saturday for indirect negotiations. It is as much an opportunity as it is a test. The model of engagement we propose is not novel. The United States itself is intermediating indirect talks between Russia and Ukraine — a much more intense and complex conflict entailing strategic, territorial, military, security and economic aspects.”
Araghchi further noted that “To move forward today, we first need to agree that there can be no “military option,” let alone a “military solution.” President Trump clearly recognizes this reality in urging a ceasefire as the first course of action to end the Ukraine conflict.”
On the possibility of trade with the United States, Araghchi said “Many in Washington portray Iran as a closed country from an economic point of view. The truth is that we are open to welcoming businesses from around the world. It is the U.S. administrations and congressional impediments, not Iran, that have kept American enterprises away from the trillion-dollar opportunity that access to our economy represents. Indeed, when the United States agreed to license the sale of passenger aircraft as a part of the JCPOA, Iran immediately negotiated a contract with Boeing to buy 80 planes. To say that the scope for trade and investment in Iran is unparalleled is an understatement.”
During a press conference at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump announced that he will be holding direct talks with Iran:
“We’re having direct talks with Iran. They’ve started, it’ll go on Saturday, we have a very big meeting and we’ll see what can happen. And I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious. And the obvious is not something that I want to be involved with, or frankly that Israel wants to be involved with if they can avoid it. So, we’re going to see if we can avoid it. But it’s getting to be very dangerous territory, and hopefully those talks will be successful. And I think it would be in Iran’s best interest if they are successful. We hope that’s going to happen.”
On board Air Force One, President Trump stated regarding the possibility of indirect negotiations, “I think it’s better if we have direct talks. I think it goes faster, and you understand the other side a lot better, than if you go through intermediaries. They wanted to use intermediaries, I don’t think that’s necessarily true anymore. I think they’re concerned, I think they feel vulnerable, and I don’t want them to feel that way.” When asked about if Iran communicated their desire via letter, Trump stated, “Forget about letters, I think they want to have direct talks.”
Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, responded to Trump’s warnings that there will be bombings if there is no deal. Larijani declared, “We are not moving towards (nuclear) weapons, but if you do something wrong in the Iranian nuclear issue, you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself.”
“Iran does not want to do this, but … (it) will have no choice,” he added.
“If at some point you (the US) move towards bombing by yourself or through Israel, you will force Iran to make a different decision.”
This is among the most explicit suggestions from a senior Iranian figure that the Supreme Leader’s prohibition on securing nuclear weapons would be revisited amid war.
President Trump posted to Truth Social regarding continued strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen:
“The Iran-backed Houthi Terrorists have been decimated by the relentless strikes over the past two weeks. Many of their Fighters and Leaders are no longer with us. We hit them every day and night — Harder and harder. Their capabilities that threaten Shipping and the Region are rapidly being destroyed. Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation. The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.”
President Trump, in a telephone interview, declared “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing. It will be bombing the likes of which they (Iran) have never seen before.” Trump continued, “There’s a chance that if they don’t make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a post on X regarding the leaked signal chat between Secretary Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, Mike Waltz, Tulsi Gabbard, and others on the coordination of recent U.S. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen:
“People around the globe—including Americans—now see how US officials look at world affairs.
Some highlight severe incompetence and, more importantly, total disregard for human life in the decision making.
As for Iran, we see perhaps another reason to take the recent political overtures with a huge grain of salt.”
March 24, 2025
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview that there is no ban on Iran’s economic relations with the United States. According to Araghchi, “One criticism of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) is that it did not pave the way for American businesses to engage commercially with Iran. However, this limitation originated from the United States itself, as it only lifted secondary sanctions under the JCPOA while primary sanctions remained in place, effectively preventing American individuals from doing business with Iran.”
He also added, “Nevertheless, the U.S. did introduce some exceptions within its primary sanctions, including permissions for aircraft purchases and a few other limited activities. Immediately after the JCPOA, we began negotiations to purchase airplanes from Boeing in the U.S. and Airbus in Europe. Contracts were signed for approximately 80 aircraft, and had the JCPOA remained in effect, these deliveries would likely have started last year. Thus, we have no barriers on our side to trade with the United States; the restrictions exist only from the American side.”
U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz reacted to Witkoff’s remarks on Face the Nation. When asked if the administration was seeking the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program of verification like the 2015 nuclear deal struck under the Obama administration, Waltz stated:
“Full dismantlement. Iran has to give up its program in a way that the entire world can see. As President Trump has said, this is coming to a head. All options are on the table, and it is time for Iran to walk away completely from its desire to have a nuclear weapon, and they will not and cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapons program. That’s enrichment, that is weaponization and that is its strategic missile program.
“Can you only imagine? We’ve seen the death and destruction that they’re doing through its proxies…if they had nuclear weapons, the entire Middle East would explode in an arms race, and that is completely unacceptable to our national security. I won’t get into what the back and forth has been, but Iran is in the worst place it has been from its own national security since 1979, thanks to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Assad regime and its own air defenses being taken out through the Israelis.”
When asked if diplomacy is still on the table, Waltz replied:
“Well, of course. The president has all options on the table, but we want to be clear. This isn’t some kind of – kind of tit for tat that we had under the Obama administration or Biden. This is the full program. Give it up or there will be consequences.”
March 22, 2025
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Trump diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff outlined the administration’s approach toward Iran. When asked by Carlson if President Trump’s preference is for diplomacy instead of war with Iran, Witkoff stated:
“Yes, that’s fair… Look, he sent a letter to the Iranians. Usually, it would be the Iranians reaching out to him, especially since their air defenses were severely weakened after the attack from Israel. They’re open to attack today. Iran is a small country compared to ours, and if we used overwhelming force, it would be very, very bad for them.
And this is not a threat. I’m not threatening here—this isn’t me issuing a threat. If the Iranians hear this, they should know it’s the president who has that authority.
Under these circumstances, it would make sense for Iran to reach out diplomatically. Instead, it’s the president who initiated contact. And I can tell you, he’s not doing this from a position of weakness. He’s not a weak man—he’s one of the strongest men I’ve ever met, maybe the strongest. Even those who dislike him would have to acknowledge that.”
When asked by Carlson about the contents of Trump’s letter, Witkoff replied:
“It roughly said, ‘I’m a president of peace. That’s what I want. There’s no reason for us to do this militarily. We should talk, clear up misconceptions, and create a verification program so no one has to worry about the weaponization of your nuclear material.’
He wants to get to that place because the alternative isn’t good for anyone. That’s a rough summary. And the president has publicly stated this, so it’s not top secret.
The Iranians have reached back out, and I’m not at liberty to talk about the specifics, but through back channels, multiple countries, and various conduits, they reached back out.
I believe there’s a real possibility of a diplomatic solution—not because I’ve spoken to anyone in Iran, but because logically, it makes sense. The president has indicated he’s open to helping Iran clean it all up, come back to the world and be a great nation again, free from sanctions and able to grow their economy. These are very smart people.
Their economy was once wonderful. Today, they’re being strangled and suffocated. There’s no need for that to happen. They can join the League of nations, and we can build and grow a better relationship. That’s the alternative he’s presenting.”
When Carlson suggested that the President wants “to deal with Iran with respect and build trust,” Witkoff replied:
“Exactly. And hopefully, the Iranians will respond positively. I think anything can be solved through dialogue, by clearing up misconceptions and miscommunications and disconnects between people. I’m certainly hopeful for it.
And yet, the president doesn’t want to go to war. He’ll use military action only to stop a war, not to start one. In this case, hopefully, it won’t be necessary, and hopefully we can resolve it at the negotiating table.”
Carlson suggested “I hope for our sake you wind up in Tehran” to negotiate a deal, leading Witkoff to say:
“I hope I do too, or someone else from the administration. This is a bit more complicated because it involves nuclear issues, which require technical expertise. But I think it’ll begin with the president or someone from his team—maybe me, maybe others. I’ll welcome the opportunity if I’m involved.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that President Donald Trump’s letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader “mostly amounts to threats” but also “claims to offer certain opportunities.” Araghchi made these remarks on a special Norooz program on Channel 2, which he attended with his wife and young daughter. He noted that Iran has examined all aspects of the letter in detail and is preparing a response that “will reflect both the threats and the potential openings contained within.” According to Araghchi, “We have carefully reviewed all aspects of the letter. The response we are preparing will reflect these dimensions, including both the threats and the purported opportunities.”
President Trump posted on Truth Social on recent strikes on Yemen, putting the onus on Iran to rein in the actions of Houthi rebels in Yemen. His posted stated:
“Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by, IRAN. Any further attack or retaliation by the “Houthis” will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there. Iran has played “the innocent victim” of rogue terrorists from which they’ve lost control, but they haven’t lost control. They’re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, “Intelligence.” Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!”
Following U.S. strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, National Security adviser Michael Waltz spoke on ABC’s “This Week,” where he asserted that with Iran, “All actions are always on the table with the president. But Iran needs to hear him loud and clear.”
Referring to Iran’s nuclear program, Waltz stated “All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one. And that’s all aspects of Iran’s program. That’s the missiles, the weaponization, the enrichment. They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences.” Iran has often stated that discussion on its missile program is non-negotiable, as is a full dismantlement of its nuclear program.
The United States launched large-scale strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen reportedly aimed at countering the group’s continued attacks on global shipping in the Red Sea, which had recently declined amid the ceasefire in Gaza. The strikes reportedly killed at least 53 people – including five children. U.S. officials indicated that were reportedly meant to serve as a warning to Iran to halt its ongoing support for the Houthis.
In response to the strikes and accompanying warnings, Iran’s top IRGC Commander, Hossein Salami, stated in response that the Houthis maintain their own strategic decisions and are independent. Salami continued that “We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action.”
Anwar Mohammed Gargash, an advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed, delivered a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed Mohammed Gargash in Tehran. Details of the letter have not yet been fully divulged, though reports have begun to shed lights on its possible contents.
Ali Golkhani, a political commentator in Iran, stated that the letter contains elements of threat, but that it also emphasizes the need for dialogue and to reach an agreement. Additionally, Golkhani indicates that Trump references opposition to his plans for diplomacy, but insists “They don’t matter. I have the final word!”
Following both President Trump’s reported letter sent to Supreme Leader Khamenei and Khamenei’s response, the Iran Mission to the United Nations posted this statement on their X account, seeming to suggest openness to nuclear negotiations: “If the objective of negotiations is to address concerns vis-à-vis any potential militarization of Iran’s nuclear program, such discussions may be subject to consideration. However, should the aim be the dismantlement of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program to claim that what Obama failed to achieve has now been accomplished, such negotiations will never take place.”
U.S. newsmaker and commentator Tucker Carlson interviewed Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, who underscored Qatar’s opposition to war with Iran and support for diplomacy. He stated that military targeting of Iran’s coastal nuclear facilities could have devastating impacts on the environment for nations near Iran, including by spoiling Qatar’s water supply and ensuring it runs out of water within three days, citing Qatari governmental studies. Sheikh Mohammed stated that Qatar will “not give up until we see a diplomatic solution between the US and Iran,” stating that Iran was open to engage and its leaders “are willing to get to a level that creates comforts for everybody. And most importantly, they are focused on mending their relationship with the region, and that’s something in itself.”
The Trump administration revoked a waiver which had previously enabled Iraq to transfer funds to purchase Iranian electricity. A State Department spokesperson underscored that the decision to rescind the waiver “ensures we do not allow Iran any degree of economic or financial relief,” pointing to the Trump administration’s apparent aims – as articulated in the maximum pressure memorandum of February 4 – to halt Iran’s “nuclear threat, curtail its ballistic missile program and stop it from supporting terrorist groups.”
Following the letter that President Trump reportedly sent around March 7 calling for negotiations, Supreme Leader Khamenei made a statement asserting that Iran would not negotiate with “bully governments” pushing for talks.
Khamenei further underscored, in his response, that for the U.S., “negotiation is a means to introduce new demands.” He continued that “the issue is not just about nuclear matters, they raise new expectations that Iran will certainly not accept,” referencing potential U.S. targeting of Iran’s defense systems and wider proxy efforts across the region.
March 7, 2025
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, President Trump elaborated on his position on Iran, underscoring grave stakes to the nuclear crisis. “We’re down to final moments. We’re at final moments. We can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated. “It’s an interesting time in the history of the world, but we have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon, very, very soon.”
“Hopefully we can have a peace deal. I’m not speaking out of strength or weakness; I’m just saying I’d rather see a peace deal than the other. But the other will solve the problem,” seemingly referring to strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
President Trump revealed that he has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader calling for nuclear negotiations. In an interview with Fox Business, the U.S. President stated “I’ve written him a letter, saying ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate,’ because if we have to go in militarily it’s gonna be a terrible thing – for them.”
The President affirmed he sent the letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader yesterday. He elaborated, saying, “No, I didn’t say ‘you better [negotiate],’ I said ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran.’ And, I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.”
Notably, Iran has indicated this letter has not been received yet.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated to the Economic Club of New York that the U.S. is aggressively instituting sanctions against Iran for “immediate maximum impact,” with the intent to “collapse its already buckling economy.” He indicated that the sanctions in reference are targeted toward Iran’s oil sector and drone manufacturing system.
Secretary Bessent further emphasized that “making Iran broke again will mark the beginning of our updated sanctions policy.”
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East who led the U.S. in securing the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, stated to reporters at the White House that “I’m not talking to the Iranians directly, and I have no knowledge of anyone in the US government talking to them right now.“
According to a report from Bloomberg, Russia has agreed to support the Trump administration in facilitating communications with Iran regarding its nuclear program. As reported, “Top US and Russian officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed Washington’s interest in Moscow helping with Iranian issues, during a Feb. 18 meeting according to people with knowledge of the situation…” Lavrov reportedly shared the details from this U.S. meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi during Lavrov’s recent visit to Tehran.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia’s belief that the United States and Iran should resolve their problems through negotiations and expressed Moscow’s readiness to support such efforts.
President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed parliament on Sunday during the impeachment of Economy and Finance minister Abdolnaser Hemmati, where he outlined his evolving views on negotiations with the United States. According to Pezeshkian, “I was of the opinion that there needs to be dialogue, but when the Supreme Leader said there should be no talks with America, I said we will not negotiate with America, period.”
These comments appear to suggest that if Iran’s government is going to change its stance on negotiations, it will be at the behest of Khamenei rather than Pezeshkian or other government officials.
Javad Zarif, Vice President for Strategic Affairs and former foreign minister, announced his departure from the Pezeshkian administration following a conversation with Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Iran’s Judiciary Chief. Ejei had advised him “to return to academia” to ease pressure on the Pezeshkian government, per Zarif, which was advice he accepted. Zarif had faced pressure from Iran’s hardliners for months who strongly opposed his role in Pezeshkian’s government, often citing his children’s apparent dual citizenship status as a disqualifying factor in holding a government position.
A quarterly report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) revealed a dramatic escalation in Iran’s nuclear stockpile. As of February 8, 2025, Iran is reported to have accumulated 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent—a significant increase from 182.3 kilograms in November 2024 and 164.7 kilograms in August 2024. This total stockpile of higher-enriched uranium is described as enough for six nuclear weapons, with further enrichment to weapons grade. This rapid expansion of enriched uranium has further intensified global concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Following the U.S. State Department’s announcement of another round of maximum pressure sanctions on Iran’s energy sector, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that “There will be no possibility of direct talks between us and the United States on the nuclear issue as long as the maximum pressure is applied in this way.”
He further added – during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who was visiting Tehran – that “Regarding the nuclear negotiations, the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is very clear. We will not negotiate under pressure, threat or sanctions.“
Araghchi also made clear, following his discussions with Lavrov in Tehran, that Iran intends to continue to cooperate and coordinate alongside Russia as well as China on the nuclear issue.
The State Department announced another round of maximum pressure sanctions against 16 entities and vessels for involvement in Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical industry.
The announcement underscored that the sanctions measures “are being taken pursuant to Executive Orders 13902 and 13846, which target Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and mark the second round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on Iran.“
Catherine Herridge interviewed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where she posed a question regarding potential actions the administration would take if Iran were to ever conduct an assassination attempt on President Trump. Secretary Rubio stated, “...we’re not going to get into tactics or options available to the United States. Suffice it to say that if the United States chose to do so it could bring about the end of the Iranian regime. But the president is a peacemaker, he’d prefer to avoid that and avoid those circumstances. But I don’t think anyone should be confused here. Under Donald Trump there is not going to be a nuclear iran.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed recent U.S. pronouncements as inconsequential underscoring Iranian agency in determining the course of future events. “Trump makes a statement, and some people here try to align themselves with his words,” Pezeshkian said in western Tehran Province. “But what can Trump actually do? We are the ones who decide how to shape our own future.”
“We create our own future,” Pezeshkian continued. “If we give up, we only face misery and troubles. But if we decide to solve our problems, we plan and act accordingly. We have to do it ourselves; we can’t expect others to do it for us.”
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz appeared on Fox News where, in response to a question regarding potential U.S. involvement in an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, he suggested that the U.S. would be willing to negotiate if Iran was willing to “give up their entire program.” Prior successful negotiations with Iran have envisioned Iran retaining a civilian nuclear infrastructure:
“I can speak to what the president has repeatedly said, and that is Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. That not only would be existential for Israel, I think it would be existential for the entire world because it could kick off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. How we get there I’m not going to get into the details of here, but the president has also expressed a willingness to take whatever action is necessary — all options are on the table. But also, to talk to Iran as well if they want to give up their entire program and not play games as we’ve seen Iran do in the past in prior negotiations. All options are on the table, but I’ll promise you this — President Trump is absolutely serious, deadly serious, when he says Iran can never have a nuke, and certainly not on President Trump’s watch. They are an irrational actor that we cannot allow to have their finger on the button.”
U.S. Intelligence sources revealed to the Washington Post that Israel is “likely to attempt a strike on Iran’s nuclear program in the coming months in a preemptive attack that would set back Iran’s nuclear program by weeks or perhaps months.” The findings “are included in multiple intelligence reports spanning the end of the Biden administration and the beginning of the Trump administration, none more comprehensive than an early January report produced by the intelligence directorate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency.”
While Israeli officials did not comment on the intelligence findings, White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated that “While he {President Trump} prefers negotiating a resolution to American’s long-standing issues with the Iranian regime peacefully, he will not wait indefinitely if Iran isn’t willing to deal, and soon.”
U.S. support for an Israeli strike on Iran has long been considered a military necessity to ensure the destruction of deeply-buried facilities that could be targeted, and could reportedly entail “aerial refueling as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.”
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council describing President Trump’s recent comments in interviews with the New York Post and Fox News as “reckless and inflammatory statements.” In said interviews, President Trump had indicated his preference for securing a deal with Iran in order to halt nuclear weapons development as opposed to bombing Iran.
Iravani, who understood Trump’s comments to be threatening the use of force, described them to “flagrantly violate international law and the UN Charter,” emphasizing that “any act of aggression will have severe consequences, for which the U.S. will bear full responsibility.”
During a rally commemorating the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered remarks where he stated that, “Trump says he wants to negotiate, yet at the same time, he signs off on every possible conspiracy to bring this revolution to its knees.” In reference to President Donald Trump’s remarks last week, Pezeshkian critiqued Trump’s positioning, noting that “He claims to be open to dialogue, but while saying so, he accuses Iran of destabilising the region.”
Pezeshkian further added that while Iran is “not looking for war,” they “will never bow to foreigners.”
Supreme Leader Khamenei responded indirectly to Trump’s rhetoric and pressure, downplaying the possibility of talks but arguably not closing the door completely. He stated:
“No problem is solved through negotiations with America. The reason? Experience. In the 1390s (2010s), we sat down and negotiated with America for about two years. A treaty was also formed. Of course, America was not alone; several other countries were also involved. However, America was the axis; primarily, it was America.
Our government sat down and negotiated—the government of that time. They went, came, sat, stood, negotiated, talked, laughed, shook hands, became friends—they did everything. A treaty was formed. In this treaty, the Iranian side was quite generous. It gave many concessions to the other side. But the Americans did not implement the treaty.
The very person who is now in office tore up this treaty. He said, “I will tear it up,” and he did. They did not implement it. Even before he came, those with whom this treaty was made did not implement it. The treaty was meant to lift U.S. sanctions. The U.S. sanctions were not lifted. The U.S. sanctions were not lifted. In the case of the United Nations, they also left a thorn in the wound, like a constant threat hanging over Iran.
This treaty was the product of two years of negotiations—if I remember correctly, maybe a little more or less. Well, this is experience. We should learn from this experience. We gave concessions, we negotiated, we gave concessions, we compromised, but we did not achieve the intended result. That is what happened. Even this treaty, despite all its shortcomings, was still undermined, violated, and torn apart by the other side. Negotiating with such a government should not be done. Negotiation with them is neither wise, nor intelligent, nor honorable.
No one denies the existence of problems—there are many livelihood problems, and almost all segments of society are struggling with difficulties. However, what resolves these problems is an internal factor. The internal factor is the determination of responsible officials and the unity of the people. This is exactly what you will see in the upcoming march, God willing—the unity of the people. The 22 Bahman march (marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 11) every year is the manifestation of national unity in our country. A perceptive nation and tireless officials—this is what solves our problems.”
President Trump writes on Truth Social:
“I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon. Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens,” ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED. I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed. God Bless the Middle East!”
President Trump repeatedly declares an interest in negotiations with Iran even as he signs a memorandum reimplementing “maximum pressure” toward Iran and holds a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In signing the memorandum, President Trump said that he was “torn” in doing so, and that his reluctance stemmed from his desire for a nuclear deal. “I’m signing this, and hopefully it will be a document which won’t be very important and will hardly have to be used.” He also signaled that many of Iran’s leaders do not want the country to cross the nuclear threshold, stating “There are many people at the top ranks of Iran that do not want to have a nuclear weapon.”
In the joint press conference, he declared his interest in a new nuclear deal, stating:
“I say this to Iran, who is listening very intently: I would love to be able to make a great deal, a deal where you can get on with your lives and you’ll do wonderfully. You’ll do wonderfully.
Incredible people. Industrious, beautiful, just an unbelievable group of people in Iran. And I know them well. I have many friends from Iran and many friends that are Americans from Iran. And they’re very proud of Iran. But I hated to do it, just so you understand. And I hope we’re going to be able to do something so that it doesn’t end up in a very catastrophic situation. I don’t want to see that happen. I really want to see peace. And I hope that we’re able to do that.
They cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. I’m not putting restrictions. I’m not. They cannot have one thing. They cannot have a nuclear weapon. And if I think that they will have a nuclear weapon, despite what I just said, I think that’s going to be very unfortunate for them.
If on the other hand, they can convince us that they won’t — and I hope they can, it’s very easy to do, it’s actually very easy to do — I think they’re going to have an unbelievable future.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appears to offer contingent support for the Iranian government to negotiate with the United States. His tweet states “Behind the smiles of diplomacy, there are always hidden and inner enmities and grudges of the evil one. Let us open our eyes and be careful with whom we are facing, dealing with, and talking. When a person knows his opponent, he may make a deal, but he knows what to do. We must recognize and know.”
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Sky News in a direct interview where he addressed Israel’s intent to strike Iranian nuclear facilities with potential backing from the U.S., asserting that “any attack to our nuclear facilities would be faced with an immediate and decisive response. But I don’t think they will do that crazy thing. This is really crazy. And this would turn the whole region into a very bad disaster.“
On the prospect of negotiating with the U.S. Araghchi further stated that “Lots of things should be done by the other side to buy our confidence… We haven’t heard anything but the ‘nice’ word, and this is obviously not enough.”
The Financial Times reported that real estate investor and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will be in charge of Iran policy, though this is walked back shortly thereafter. Witkoff brokered the ceasefire deal in Gaza that has delivered relief for Palestinian and freed some Israeli hostages, reportedly pushing hard on Netanyahu to accept the deal.
While signing Executive Orders, Trump stated “No” when asked if Witkoff would be in charge of Iran policy. However, he indicated that Witkoff could still be in the mix, stating “But he’s certainly somebody I would use. He’s done a fantastic job. He’s a great negotiator.”
When asked on Fox News if the U.S. will support Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, President Trump states “I want them to have a great country. They have great potential. The people are amazing. The only thing I’ve said about Iran is they can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they are religious zealots…There are ways that you can make it absolutely certain if you make a deal…You have to verify times ten. But they cannot have a nuclear weapon. And you know, if they get one, you’re going to have everyone else getting them, and then the whole thing is going to be a disaster.”
Following the sidelining of some hawks from Trump’s first term, a series of articles from neoconservative hawks attacks certain Trump officials and nominees for statements expressing skepticism toward war with Iran.
Former Trump officials who oversaw maximum pressure policies toward Iran have their security details revoked by President Trump within hours of his inauguration. Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Iran envoy Brian Hook all are informed that their security details will terminate on 11:00 pm of January 21.
Trump also shares on Truth Social a message firing Brian Hook from his position on the board of a U.S. think tank, stating “Brian Hook from the Wilson Center for Scholars… YOU’RE FIRED!”
On his first day in office, President Trump issues an Executive Order revoking the security clearance of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, a long-time advocate of war with Iran. The order alleges that Bolton’s memoir detailed issues sensitive to national security.
President Trump did not address Iran directly in his Inaugural speech, but he did touch on American foreign policy, stating “We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end. And, perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be. A peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that, as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families.”
Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio was asked about Iran diplomacy in his confirmation hearing and expressed some degree of openness to negotiations, stating “I imagine that within (Iran’s) regime, and I’m just saying this because of common sense, there are two schools of thought. There’s one group that’s saying now is the time where we need to find ourselves an off ramp…and buy ourselves some time. And then there’s another group that’s probably saying that now is the time to prove that we are a nuclear power or nuclear capable power, enrich from 60% to 90%, and press go, and that’s how we’re going to buy ourselves immunity from foreign action. And this is a tenuous moment in that regard, but it’s one we need to acknowledge. My view of it is that we should be open to any arrangement that allows us to have safety and stability in the region, but one in which we’re clear eyed. Any concessions we make to the Iranian regime, we should anticipate that they will use, as they have used in the past, to build their weapons systems and to try to restart their sponsorship of Hezbollah and other related entities around the region because they seek to become the dominant regional power.”
NBC’s Lester Holt interviewed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed openness to negotiations with the U.S. and denied allegations of plots against Trump. Pezeshkian emphasized mutual respect as key to dialogue.
Italy freed Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, accused of contributing to Iran’s drone program. His release followed Italian journalist Cecilia Sala’s return from Iran, suggesting a two-step prisoner swap.
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was freed from imprisonment in Iran on January 8 and returned to Italy. Freedom for Sala followed a direct appeal from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on January 4. Reports emerge that Sala’s boyfriend reached out to Elon Musk, who in turn raised the issue directly with Amb. Iravani, with Musk later confirming he played “a small role” but the Italian government saying he played no role. Musk later said “I did not have any interaction with Iran. Just recommended support from the U.S. side.”
Sala had been arrested on December 19 and sent to Evin Prison, raising strong protests from the Italian government. Her arrest had been preceded by the arrest of a Swiss-Iranian national – Mohammad Abedini – at Milan airport. Abedini had been wanted by the United States for allegedly selling navigation technology that was used in Iran’s military drone program. The Biden Justice Department alleged that Abedini and one other Iranian-American suspect had contributed to a January 2024 drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers, and sought his extradition from Italy to the U.S. for trial.
Writing in Foreign Affairs, Javad Zarif signaled that Iran is “open to negotiations,” including with the United States. However, with Trump preparing to take office he also signaled that Iran does not respond to pressure and will not submit to unreasonable demands:
“Instead of increasing pressure on Iran, the West should pursue positive-sum solutions. The nuclear deal provides a unique example, and the West should look to revive it. But to do so, it must take concrete and practical actions—including political, legislative, and mutually beneficial investment measures—to make sure Iran can benefit economically from the agreement, as was promised. Should Trump decide to take such steps, then Iran is willing to have a dialogue that would benefit both Tehran and Washington.”
Reports that Elon Musk met with Iran’s United Nations ambassador – Amir Saeid Iravani, to explore how to “defuse tensions.” Amb. Iravani reportedly told Musk “that he should obtain sanctions exemptions from the Treasury and bring some of his businesses to Tehran.”
Javad Zarif, tags President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance in an anti-war tweet after their electoral victory. Other electoral officials downplayed the impact of the election on Iran’s positions.
“The American people, including most Muslims, have spoken loud and clear in rejecting a shameful year of U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and carnage in Lebanon,” Zarif posted. Tagging the President-elect and Vice President-elect, Zarif continued “Let us hope that the incoming administration of @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance will stand against war as pledged, and will heed the clear lesson given by the American electorate to end wars and prevent new ones.” He offered a suggestion for the incoming administration, noting “Iran, having shown its resolve and ability to stand up to any aggression, will not be swayed by threats, but will be cognizant of respect.”
October 17, 2024:
Trump suggests on the campaign trail that the U.S. “can’t” get involved in coerced regime change, and suggests he’d like to see Iran be successful, so long as Iran does not secure a nuclear weapon.
“I would like to see Iran be very successful. The only thing is, they can’t have a nuclear weapon.“
On the campaign trail, President Trump suggests he’d negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran, suggesting that the Biden administration did not know how to.
“Sure, I would do that (a deal)…We have to make a deal, because the consequences are impossible. We have to make a deal. And, they would have had a deal…had the results of the election been correct, we would have had a deal within one week after the election. I was prepared to get it done within one week after the election. They (the Biden administration) could have done that too, but they had no idea how to go about it. They could have done it because I gave them a country that wanted to make a deal, they had to.”