Trump Optimistic on Iran Talks, Contrasting Tehran's View

President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations with Iran, suggesting a potential agreement could be reached by the weekend.

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The talks are going 'very well' and an agreement could possibly be reached this weekend.

Speaking in Washington, Trump described the talks as progressing "very well." This positive outlook sharply contrasts with statements from Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who asserted that "no tangible progress has been made." Araghchi reiterated Iran's demand for Israel to cease attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon as a condition for further talks.

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There has been no tangible progress.

Trump indicated a preference to address the Lebanese issue separately. He acknowledged the possibility that an agreement might not materialize, stating, "Of course, it may not happen, nobody knows – but if it does, it could happen, for example, on the weekend." Recent discussions have centered on a 60-day ceasefire extension, which would pave the way for negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program.

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Of course, it may not happen, nobody knows – but if it does, it could happen, for example, on the weekend.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marc Rubio confirmed the conclusion of "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran, stating that the U.S. is no longer conducting ongoing attacks to weaken Iran's military forces. He clarified that recent strikes against Iranian targets were in self-defense. The U.S. and Israel initiated an offensive against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran against Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Fragile ceasefires have been in place since April 8.

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We are no longer conducting ongoing attacks in Iran to weaken their military forces.