Trump: Iran sanctions relief tied to peace deal

President Donald Trump has declared that sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen assets will only occur after a peace agreement is finalized. In an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," Trump specified that these actions would be considered only if Iran behaves accordingly. He also noted that Lebanon does not need to be included in any short-term deal with Tehran, though he acknowledged Iran might desire it.

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These steps would only be considered afterwards, if Iran behaves accordingly.

Trump reiterated that the U.S. is nearing an agreement, but issued a stark warning of massive military action if one is not reached. The president also expressed his willingness to engage in direct talks with Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Khamenei was reportedly injured in U.S. strikes early in the conflict and has not appeared publicly since. Trump suggested he likely knows Khamenei's whereabouts.

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I think that they would like that, but I am not asking for it.

The U.S. stance signals a conditional approach to de-escalation, linking economic relief directly to a comprehensive peace settlement and Iran's behavior on the international stage. The threat of military escalation remains a significant element of the U.S. strategy.

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I think that they are very close to an agreement, otherwise I will attack the country massively.