U.S. President Donald Trump announced that direct talks with Iran could take place as early as next week — and hinted that a groundbreaking agreement might be in the works.
Speaking at a press conference in The Hague, President Trump said, “We’re going to meet with Iran. Maybe we’ll reach a deal, maybe we won’t — but it wouldn’t be bad to walk away with something on paper.”
The statement comes at a crucial moment. Just days ago, U.S. military forces carried out a significant strike on Iranian nuclear facilities — a mission the Pentagon called a “successful operation.” Since then, diplomatic backchannels have been heating up, signaling a potential shift in U.S.-Iran relations.
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According to American media, direct talks with Iran are now a strong possibility. U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitcoff, confirmed that early engagement with Iran has been “encouraging.” He added, “We’re hopeful for a long-term peace deal that brings Iran back into the global community.”
While the exact location and participants of the upcoming talks remain under wraps, senior U.S. official Levitt revealed the core goal: steering Iran toward a non-enriched, civilian nuclear program.
One of the most significant proposals on the table is a $20 to $30 billion aid package aimed at helping Iran establish a peaceful nuclear energy program. Interestingly, this financial support wouldn’t come directly from the United States but from its allies in the Middle East.
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The tentative deal could also include easing sanctions and unlocking $6 billion of Iran’s frozen assets abroad. Talks are even exploring the idea of converting Iran’s Fordow nuclear site for civilian energy use — with costs likely to be covered by international partners.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Face the Nation, emphasized, “We’ve bent over backward to make this deal happen. The ball is in Iran’s court. If they choose diplomacy, we’re ready.”