Trump to Channel 12: "Expects talks with Iran, they have stretched the rope too much"

US President Donald Trump said in an interview with Channel 12 that he expects further talks with Iran to take place later this week, in an attempt to reach an agreement. Trump did not rule out resuming strikes and said: "I always think about it." The Qataris continue to mediate, but the gaps between the sides remain wide.

US President Donald Trump said in an exclusive telephone interview with Channel 12 that he expects further talks with Iran to take place later this week, in another attempt to reach an agreement. According to him, the Iranians "have stretched the rope too much" and the agreement they are offering is not the agreement he wants to make. When asked if he is considering resuming strikes against Iran, he replied: "I always think about it." The Qataris continue to mediate between the sides. On Thursday, the Qatari Prime Minister met in New York with the President of Iran, and later with White House envoy Steve Witkoff. The mediators formulated a compromise proposal and passed it to both sides. However, the gaps remain wide: Iran demands the removal of the American naval blockade and the cancellation of sanctions on oil sales in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks, while the Trump administration demands concessions in the nuclear field. Trump noted that over the weekend, the largest amount of oil so far passed through the Strait of Hormuz — more than 20 million barrels. A US security source confirmed that on Friday night, 22 million barrels of oil were transferred through the strait.