US President Donald Trump said that Iran had requested a meeting with the American side, both through intermediaries and via direct contacts, expressing optimism about the progress of the talks.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said that contacts between Washington and Tehran are already underway.
“Iran requested a meeting through its intermediaries as well as directly, and we are meeting. We are talking to Iran right now,” the US president said, adding that “the talks are going well.”
“Good things can happen”
Trump expressed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations, noting that there is room for positive developments.
“Good things can happen,” he said, suggesting that the two sides are at a critical stage in their contacts.
At the same time, he argued that Tehran’s decision to seek dialogue was the result of the military pressure it has been under.
“They wouldn’t have asked for a meeting if things were going badly for us. The only reason they want to meet is because we’ve hit them very hard,” he said.
The US president’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, with the next moves by both sides considered crucial.
“We will take very strong military action”
Earlier, Trump warned that Washington is prepared to launch “very strong military action” again if the talks with Iran fail to produce results, stressing that the diplomatic effort will not continue for much longer.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said that the United States is engaged in “very substantive talks” with Tehran, leaving open the possibility of an agreement while also sending a clear message that the military option remains on the table.
“If the talks don’t produce results, we will return to very strong military action,” he said.
The US president also revealed that he decided to suspend strikes last Friday following a request from the countries acting as mediators in efforts to de-escalate the crisis between the US and Iran.
“Everybody negotiating with Iran told me, ‘Don’t strike,’” he said, explaining that the decision was made in order to give diplomatic contacts room to proceed.
“It will either move quickly or not at all”
Asked how much time he was willing to give the negotiations, Trump was unequivocal, suggesting that the American side’s patience is wearing thin.
“Not much time. It will either move quickly or not at all,” he said, signalling that the coming days are considered critical for the future of the talks.
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