World News
Donald Trump Rules Out Iran Sanctions Relief Before Final Deal, Warns of Further Action Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not unfreeze Iranian assets or lift sanctions until a comprehensive agreement is finalized with Tehran, signaling that Washington intends to maintain pressure on Iran during ongoing negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not unfreeze Iranian assets or lift sanctions until a comprehensive agreement is finalized with Tehran, signaling that Washington intends to maintain pressure on Iran during ongoing negotiations.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump said any discussion regarding sanctions relief would only take place after a formal deal is reached.
“That comes after. If they behave and do a good job, we can start talking,” Trump said when asked whether the US would consider easing restrictions before an agreement is signed.
Trump Maintains Hardline Position on Iran
The remarks come at a critical moment in the Middle East, where diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside military tensions. The Trump administration has been working for weeks to secure a potential agreement with Iran while simultaneously maintaining a strong military posture in the region.
Trump emphasized that negotiations are approaching a decisive stage, suggesting that the coming weeks could determine whether diplomacy succeeds or tensions escalate further.
The US President also clarified that he is not insisting on Lebanon’s inclusion in any short-term arrangement with Iran, although regional stakeholders would likely welcome such a move.
Trump Open to Talks With Iran’s Supreme Leader
In another notable statement, Trump indicated that he would be willing to hold direct talks with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The Iranian leader has remained largely out of public view since reportedly being injured during the early stages of the conflict. While Trump declined to provide specific details, he hinted that US intelligence may have a clear understanding of Khamenei’s whereabouts.
The comments underscore Washington’s willingness to keep diplomatic channels open even as tensions remain high.
US Officials Say Ceasefire Efforts Continue
Senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have maintained that efforts to preserve a temporary ceasefire arrangement are ongoing.
According to US officials, recent military actions have been defensive in nature and aimed at protecting American interests and regional stability rather than expanding the conflict.
The administration continues to balance diplomatic negotiations with security concerns as it seeks a long-term resolution.
Pakistan Steps In to Revive Iran-US Dialogue
Meanwhile, diplomatic activity intensified over the weekend as Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi traveled to Tehran in an effort to help restart negotiations between Iran and the United States.
During the visit, Naqvi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni and held discussions with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian media described the meetings as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue between the two countries.
The renewed diplomatic push comes as international concern grows over the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
Israel Strikes Beirut, Iran Threatens Retaliation
Adding to the uncertainty, Israel launched strikes on the outskirts of Beirut on Sunday, marking the first such attack since the United States announced a truce proposal for Lebanon last week.
The development has raised fears that ongoing peace efforts could be undermined by fresh military confrontations.
In response, Iran issued a strong warning, stating that it would deliver a “decisive and painful response” to the strikes. The threat has further increased concerns about the risk of escalation across the Middle East.
