Trump Keeps Pressure on Iran

Trump Keeps Pressure on Iran
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Muscat, Oman. Photo: Oman Foreign Ministry/Anadolu via Getty

President Trump said Friday that the U.S. and Iran had “very good talks” in Oman and claimed Iran's position is more favorable regarding a nuclear deal than before last June's 12-day war. Iran, for their part, flatly refused to cease uranium enrichment, but looked forward to more talks. The negotiations in Muscat marked the first major talks between the two nations since that conflict, with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner holding negotiations for nearly eight hours in Oman with Iran's foreign minister, mediated by the Omanis. The talks will continue early next week.

President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Iran appears eager to make a deal, warning that the consequences would be “very steep if they don't,” while noting the U.S. “armada” heading toward Iranian shores.

Behind the scenes, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed the administration created economic pressure by triggering a dollar shortage in Iran, leading to a currency freefall and bank runs that sparked protests last month.


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