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

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

US President Donald Trump said in an exclusive phone interview with Channel 12 that he expects further talks with Iran later this week in another attempt to reach an agreement. According to him, the Iranians "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, gaps remain wide: Iran demands the removal of the US naval blockade and the lifting of sanctions on oil sales in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks, while the Trump administration demands concessions on the nuclear front. 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 22 million barrels of oil were transferred through the strait on Friday night.