President Donald Trump says Tehran is seeking a deal “very badly” as U.S. pressure mounts and talks could resume within days.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said the ongoing conflict with Iran is nearing its conclusion, citing recent U.S. actions as decisive in halting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions while indicating that negotiations could resume in the coming days.
In remarks from a pre-recorded interview with Maria Bartiromo set to air on Fox Business, Trump defended the administration’s military posture and described the situation as approaching resolution. “I had to divert because if I didn’t do that, right now you would have Iran with a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “And if they had a nuclear weapon, you would be calling everybody over there — and you don’t want to do that.”
When asked whether the conflict had effectively ended, Trump replied, “I think it’s close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over.” Clips from the interview were also circulated online through a Fox News post.
Trump added that the damage inflicted during the campaign would have long-term consequences for Iran. “If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished. We’ll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.”
The White House further highlighted the interview by sharing excerpts on X ahead of its broadcast.
The president’s comments come as multiple signals suggest diplomatic efforts may soon resume. Reports indicate preparations are underway for renewed discussions between Washington and Tehran following the collapse of talks mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad over the weekend. According to coverage of those developments, both sides are exploring options to reconvene.
In separate remarks, Trump told the New York Post that negotiations “could be happening over the next two days,” adding that the United States is inclined to return to Islamabad for further engagement. He credited Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir for facilitating earlier discussions.
International officials have also pointed to the likelihood of renewed diplomacy. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said it is “highly probable” talks will restart, according to a Reuters report.
The most recent round of negotiations ended without agreement after Iranian representatives declined U.S. demands to abandon nuclear development and surrender enriched material, conditions the administration has described as non-negotiable.
Following the breakdown, the United States escalated pressure by implementing a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, a move the administration framed as a response to threats against global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Early reports indicate the blockade has disrupted maritime activity, with vessels reportedly being turned away and shipping routes shifting.
Senior administration officials have characterized the strategy as placing Tehran in a constrained position. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, speaking on Fox News, said Trump has “put Iran in a box” and created a “win-win posture,” adding, “President Trump has put Iran in a box. He’s played the checkmate move.”
Despite ongoing diplomatic activity, Trump reiterated that U.S. conditions remain unchanged. “I’ve been saying they can’t have nuclear weapons,” he said in remarks to the New York Post. “So I don’t like the 20 years,” rejecting proposals that would allow limited nuclear activity over a defined period.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation in the Islamabad discussions, outlined the administration’s broader objectives during a public appearance. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event, Vance said Trump is pursuing a comprehensive agreement rather than incremental steps.
“Doesn’t want to make… a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain,” Vance said, describing a framework in which Iran would permanently abandon its nuclear program and cease support for terrorism in exchange for full economic reintegration.
“That’s the trade that he’s offering,” Vance said, adding that under such an agreement, the United States would support Iran’s economic development and integration into the global system.
Vance acknowledged that mistrust remains a significant obstacle, noting the rarity of such direct engagement after decades of limited contact. “There’s a lot of mistrust… you’re not going to solve that overnight,” he said, while adding, “I think the people we’re sitting across from wanted to make a deal.”
He also stated in a separate interview that “a lot of progress” had been made, but emphasized that “the ball really is in [the Iranians’] court,” underscoring that any final agreement would require Iran to relinquish enriched uranium and accept verification measures.
According to administration officials, the previous round of talks stalled in part because Iranian negotiators lacked authority to finalize an agreement and needed approval from leadership in Tehran, complicating efforts to reach a resolution.
Trump reiterated at the White House that U.S. officials have been contacted by intermediaries representing Iranian interests who “would like to make a deal — very badly,” while maintaining that failure to meet U.S. demands would leave no path forward. “If they don’t agree… there’s no deal,” he said.
With a ceasefire holding and diplomatic channels still active, U.S. officials continue to apply economic and military pressure alongside negotiation efforts, seeking a definitive outcome in the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.
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