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Trump says Iran talks possible, warns of military action if they fail

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are underway and a deal is possible, but warned of resuming military action if no swift progress is made.
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied Trump's claim that Iran requested talks, stating that any recent discussions were mediated and focused on maritime passage, not a formal negotiation request.
  • Trump also addressed concerns about U.S. ammunition stockpiles, asserting that the U.S. possesses ample supplies but desires more sophisticated equipment, while denying Russian assistance to Iran in targeting U.S. bases.

President Donald Trump indicated on Air Force One that negotiations with Iran are progressing, suggesting a potential agreement. He stated, "Iran wanted to meet, and we are meeting," adding, "Something is likely to happen."

Iran wanted to meet, and we are meeting. Let's see what happens.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump speaking to reporters on Air Force One about potential negotiations with Iran.

Trump reiterated his stance that Iran's willingness to engage stems from recent U.S. military pressure. "They only want to talk to us because we hit them very hard," he asserted. He suggested that if a deal is reached, it would be beneficial, but if not, the U.S. would revert to previous military actions. He also mentioned that Iran had requested meetings through both intermediaries and directly.

However, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Saeed Khatibzadeh, refuted Trump's assertion that Iran initiated the talks. "Reports that Iran requested talks with the United States are fabricated," Khatibzadeh stated during a press conference. He clarified that any recent exchanges were mediated, primarily through Oman, and focused on establishing mechanisms for passage in the Strait of Hormuz, not a formal negotiation request.

They only want to talk to us because we hit them very hard. If we hadn't done what we did, they wouldn't even be talking to us.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump explaining his view on Iran's motivation for seeking talks.

Despite the conflicting accounts, Trump later told reporters that he had "a lot of patience" regarding the negotiations, a slightly softer tone than his earlier comments to Axios, where he indicated limited time for talks. He confirmed, however, that military action would resume if negotiations failed.

Reports that Iran requested talks with the United States are fabricated. That is not in our DNA.

— Saeed KhatibzadehIran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson refuting President Trump's claims about Iran initiating negotiations.

In other remarks, Trump dismissed reports of depleted U.S. ammunition stocks due to aid to Ukraine, claiming sufficient reserves but expressing a desire for more advanced equipment. He also commented on potential Russian assistance to Iran, suggesting he would ask President Putin directly but downplayed its impact, stating, "We've crushed Iran."

We have a lot of patience.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump responding to a question about his patience for the negotiations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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