Trump Expects More Iran Talks, Hints at Renewed Strikes

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a phone interview with Israel's Channel 12 News on Sunday that he anticipates further talks with Iran later this week aimed at reaching an agreement. "They want to reach an agreement, but it's not the agreement I want to make. It's an agreement we might have agreed to a year ago. They've stretched the rope too far," Trump said. When questioned about the possibility of resuming strikes against Iran, the president responded, "I always think about it."

Regional mediators, including Qatar, are actively working to restart negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, though significant gaps remain on key issues. Iran's focus is on the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade, while the Trump administration insists on Iranian concessions regarding its nuclear program. Two regional sources confirmed Trump's remarks, expecting another round of indirect U.S.-Iran talks this week, possibly as early as Monday, but the possibility of bridging the differences remains uncertain.

Trump also noted that the U.S. military is currently moving substantial amounts of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, reporting a record volume of over 20 million barrels passed through during the weekend. A U.S. security official corroborated this, stating that 22 million barrels of oil were transported through the strait on Friday night.

Earlier last week, U.S. envoys Steve Witcoff and Jared Kushner held indirect talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, with Qatari officials facilitating communication. Araghchi presented Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks: lifting the naval blockade, canceling oil sanctions, and renewing a regional ceasefire. Trump publicly rejected this proposal on Saturday.

Despite Trump's public rejection, U.S. and regional sources indicated that Qatari mediators are continuing indirect negotiations, shuttling between the U.S. and Iran. The Qatari Prime Minister met with Iran's President in New York on Thursday to discuss a potential deal. Subsequently, Qatari officials briefed White House envoy Steve Witcoff. A regional source involved in the talks stated that mediators have been working on a compromise proposal based on Iran's initial offer to bridge the gaps between the two sides.

Qatari mediators are expected to hold separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witcoff, potentially on Monday, to discuss modifications to the proposed text.