Trump says progress with Iran but warns of hard hit if no deal

Washington – President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that his administration had made “significant progress” in talks with Iran aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over the latter’s nuclear program. The president said the United States had engaged in a series of diplomatic exchanges that have reduced tensions and opened a path toward a comprehensive agreement, though he did not specify the exact milestones achieved. Trump emphasized that the progress was the result of “strong, decisive action” by his team and highlighted the willingness of both sides to explore a framework that could lift some sanctions in exchange for verifiable limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.

At the same time, Trump warned that if Tehran fails to reach a final deal, the United States will impose a “hard hit” on the Iranian economy. He indicated that additional sanctions could be reinstated or expanded, targeting key sectors such as oil exports and financial institutions. The president’s remarks come amid ongoing international efforts, led by the European Union, to bring Iran back to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and underscore the administration’s dual strategy of encouraging negotiation while maintaining pressure to ensure compliance.