Trump says new Iran strikes 'highly unlikely' if talks progress

· Security · Iran · United States

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday it is 'highly unlikely' he would order fresh strikes on Iran if talks progress, while warning that any decision 'depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down chances of a breakthrough, saying Tehran's demands so far are unacceptable and in some cases 'outrageous and ridiculous,' though he cited progress on 'security infrastructure' after the Ukraine war. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said there has been no progress in talks, and Qatari mediators said US-Iran talks are continuing. Both sides reported shipping hit in or near the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran said tankers caught fire after hitting mines and threatened to 'rain down hell' if the US escalates. Washington also launched a task force to disrupt land routes into Iran and asked Iraq to close most Iran border crossings.

Why it matters：Whether Washington and Tehran can convert a fragile pause into a deal determines the risk to Gulf shipping, oil and gas flows and the wider Middle East conflict.

Key points

  • Rubio said Iran's demands so far are unacceptable, tempering talk of a breakthrough.
  • Iran's foreign minister said no progress has been made in talks; Qatar says they continue.
  • The US launched a task force on land routes and asked Iraq to close most Iran border crossings.

Sources (original reporting)

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