Washington, May 31: US President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations with Iran are moving towards a possible agreement, while warning that military action remains an option if diplomatic efforts fail.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States was “close to a very good deal” with Iran and stressed that any agreement must include firm guarantees preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“We are making a great deal; otherwise we’ll just go back and finish it off militarily,” Trump said, adding that his administration was pursuing a diplomatic solution but remained prepared to take alternative measures if necessary.
The US President said he would prefer a negotiated settlement over military escalation, noting that a successful agreement could lead to the immediate reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route.
Reiterating Washington’s core demand, Trump stated that Iran had agreed in principle that it would not possess nuclear weapons. “The one guarantee that I have is that there will be no nuclear weapons,” he said.
Describing the negotiations as difficult and complex, Trump acknowledged that progress was being achieved gradually. “We’re getting what we want slowly. Very tough negotiators. It takes a long time. I’m in no hurry. If you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal,” he remarked.
Trump also warned that the United States would pursue other options if negotiations failed to deliver the desired outcome. “Slowly but surely we’re getting what we want — and if we don’t get what we want, we’re going to end it a different way,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports that the proposed agreement remains under review. According to Axios, Trump has sought several amendments to a draft deal negotiated by US officials and their Iranian counterparts, particularly on issues related to Iran’s nuclear material and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The requested changes have reportedly triggered a fresh round of discussions between the two sides.
Recent reports suggest both countries have been working toward a framework agreement that could extend a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and launch broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, key issues remain unresolved and final approval is still pending.
The developments are being closely watched by the international community, as any breakthrough in the talks could significantly ease regional tensions and improve stability in global energy markets.