US President Donald Trump stated that he is not in a hurry to decide whether to resume military operations against Iran, asserting that Tehran desires to achieve a settlement through negotiations 'more than ever before,' while diplomatic efforts between the two countries continue.
In a phone interview with Axios on Monday (local time), Trump noted that the United States has significantly weakened Iran's financial position but is ready to allow more time for diplomacy before making a further decision.
Trump told Axios: 'No matter what, we will do something, but there is no rush. We have undermined them financially. They have no money, no gas, and their people are very tired of it.'
According to Axios, mediators from Qatar have prepared a draft agreement that includes a three-day series of confidence-building measures aimed at resuming direct talks between the US and Iran. A diplomat familiar with the developments told the publication that the mediators were awaiting feedback from both Washington and Tehran. Qatari mediator Ali Al-Tawadi arrived in Tehran on Monday to continue discussions on the proposed agreement, noting that progress is being made.
Trump also emphasized that his administration continues to engage with Iran but acknowledged that reaching an agreement may take time. He added: 'We are talking to them. Everything is going well. The problem with them is that... they are trying to use us. They have less urgency than you think, but they want to make a deal more than they ever wanted.'
A few hours after the interview, Trump linked the drop in oil prices to expectations of a possible diplomatic settlement with Tehran on Truth Social. He wrote: 'Oil prices are falling like a stone, almost $10 a barrel, a record, because people feel that there will be no war with Iran. Iran wants a settlement as soon as possible. It could happen!'
Trump also claimed that the US has significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities and reiterated that Washington will not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. He stated: 'Today oil fell by $10, which is the biggest drop in oil history. There has never been a day when oil fell so much, by $10, and it will fall even more because we easily defeat Iran. Their navy is destroyed, their air force is destroyed... They have no money, but the only thing they have is the highest inflation in the last 15 years for any country, exceeding 300%, and they want to make a deal, and it could happen.'
He further argued that Iran is facing inflation exceeding 300 percent and is interested in reaching an agreement. 'They had record inflation. The highest prices in history, the highest inflation in history... We do not have nuclear weapons for Iran. We will never let Iran have nuclear weapons. They understood this. And they recently said that 'we will not have nuclear weapons.''
Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance expressed optimism about the prospects for a negotiated settlement, noting that the administration believes some progress has been made. Speaking on Fox News in Minnesota, Vance said: 'The President and I are both quite positive about the potential for a negotiated settlement. We will continue to work on this... We have certainly made some progress. Let's see if we can achieve even more.'
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready for both diplomacy and military confrontation, warning that any renewed military action would provoke a stronger response. Iranian Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Ismail Baghai also stated that the responsibility for advancing negotiations lies with Washington, confirming Tehran's demand for an end to the US naval blockade.
These diplomatic events occur against reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Trump to consider resuming military strikes against Iran following the US House of Representatives midterm elections in November.
