Trump expects fresh talks with Iran
The US president expects indirect discussions to resume this week, but the main points of dispute remain.
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Donald Trump expects US negotiators to speak with Iran again this week. He told Axios this on Sunday, a day after rejecting an Iranian proposal for a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Trump, the talks could begin as early as Monday. Two regional sources told Axios that Qatar would again act as mediator. Washington and Tehran have not yet confirmed a specific new date for negotiations.
The announced talks follow indirect discussions in New York during the United Nations General Assembly. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner spoke there for several hours with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Qatar helped relay messages between the two delegations.
The two sides have different priorities. According to public reports, Iran mainly wants arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade and economic pressure. Washington, by contrast, wants commitments regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Nothing has been made public about a joint text or an agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz has thus become the main negotiating lever. Iran has said the shipping route could be reopened within seven days if the United States reduces military and economic pressure. American and Iranian sources disagree over the precise conditions and the question of who should make the first concessions in any interim step.
Trump previously rejected Iran’s conditions. At the same time, he told Axios that Iran does want an agreement, but not the agreement he himself envisages. He also said he had not ruled out a resumption of US attacks. That makes the diplomatic opening vulnerable: talks could continue alongside military pressure.
The new announcement is therefore not a sign that a ceasefire has been reached. It mainly shows that both governments, despite their differing demands, see room again for indirect contact. In the coming days, it should become clear whether Qatar can organise talks and whether the parties are willing to link the issue of Hormuz with the nuclear dossier.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Trump expects new talks with Iran.
- Earlier indirect discussions took place through Qatar.
- The parties have put forward different conditions.
- No agreement or ceasefire has been announced.
Left
Arguments Diplomacy should take precedence over further military escalation. The United States should reduce its pressure and take international mediation seriously.
Values International law, the protection of civilians and restraint in the use of military force.
Consequences An agreement could limit war damage and economic disruption; failed negotiations could instead trigger new attacks.
Centre
Arguments Talks are useful, but only if they produce verifiable arrangements on shipping, nuclear activities and compliance.
Values Stability, verifiability and a step-by-step diplomatic approach.
Consequences A phased agreement could reduce tensions, but would require guarantees and monitoring that take time.
Right
Arguments Iran must first demonstrate that it is willing to curb its strategic means of pressure and nuclear ambitions. Diplomacy works only if military deterrence remains credible.
Values National security, deterrence and free international shipping.
Consequences An overly lenient deal could strengthen Iran; excessive demands could close a rare diplomatic opening.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The current expectation of new talks is directly attributed to Trump and Axios. The background on the earlier discussions and the points of dispute is supported by multiple public sources.
- confirmed Trump expects new talks with Iran this week. — Trump said this to Axios on Sunday. source
- confirmed Qatar is acting as mediator. — Axios and The Guardian describe Qatari mediation. source
- confirmed Iran and the United States disagree over Hormuz, economic pressure and nuclear concessions. — These differing positions are described in Axios and Reuters. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Trump expects new talks and that indirect discussions previously took place. The new date, Iran’s willingness and the precise conditions have not yet been independently confirmed.Sources
- After nixing Iran proposal, Trump tells Axios he expects talks this week — Axios
- Iran and US have held talks on sidelines of UN summit — The Guardian
- US and Iran discuss phased deal to reopen Hormuz and end US blockade — Reuters via MarketScreener
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