President Donald Trump indicated on Saturday that Iran has entered into substantive diplomatic discussions with the United States, marking a potential shift in the tense relationship between the two nations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump acknowledged ongoing communications while maintaining strategic ambiguity regarding military decisions.
“We do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction,” Trump stated when questioned about his final decision on Iran, carefully balancing diplomatic overtures with military demonstration. The president expressed hope for a negotiated settlement that would address nuclear concerns, emphasizing that “we could make a negotiated deal that would be satisfactory, with no nuclear weapons.”
In a separate interview with Fox News, Trump revealed an unusual aspect of his administration’s strategy, noting that the U.S. cannot share military plans with Gulf allies during negotiations with Iran. “If I told them the plan, it would be almost as bad as telling you the plan—it could be worse, actually,” Trump explained, suggesting heightened security measures around diplomatic maneuvers.
This development follows statements from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who affirmed on Friday that Tehran consistently pursues engagement and dialogue to resolve disputes. Pezeshkian articulated Iran’s approach as “dignity-based diplomacy” conducted within international law frameworks, emphasizing mutual respect and rejection of threats or coercion.
The United States has maintained specific conditions for any comprehensive agreement, including a ban on uranium enrichment, removal of already-enriched uranium, caps on long-range missile capabilities, and reduced support for regional proxy forces—all demands previously rejected by Iranian leadership. This diplomatic exchange occurs against a backdrop of continued military preparedness, creating a complex landscape of negotiation and deterrence.