President Donald Trump said Sunday that American negotiators made “real progress” in nuclear talks with Iran over the weekend and hinted that a significant announcement could come within days.
Speaking after a weekend at his New Jersey golf club, Trump was optimistic. “We’ve had some very, very good talks with Iran,” he told reporters. “I think we could have some good news on the Iran front.”
Trump’s upbeat tone contrasted with statements from other officials. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, whose country is mediating the negotiations, said the fifth round of talks in Rome brought “some but not conclusive progress.” Iran’s lead negotiator, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, added that the discussions remain “too complicated to be resolved in two or three meetings.”
The U.S.-Iran talks, which began in April, mark the highest-level contact between the countries since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term. That deal limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but collapsed in 2018 when Trump reimposed U.S. sanctions. Iran later responded by accelerating its nuclear activities, including enriching uranium to 60% — near weapons-grade levels.
Now back in office, Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” strategy, supporting diplomacy but warning of military consequences if talks fail. Iran is pushing for a new agreement to ease sanctions that have severely impacted its economy.
The recent talks come ahead of a key June meeting of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and the looming October expiration of the original 2015 deal.
While concrete breakthroughs remain uncertain, both sides have expressed cautious hope that further progress is possible in the coming days.
