Trump Claims U.S. and Iran 'Very Close' to Deal as Ceasefire Tensions Escalate
President Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that the U.S. and Iran are nearing a negotiated settlement, even as ongoing military exchanges and diplomatic tensions continue to strain the fragile ceasefire between the two nations.
Trump's Optimistic Assessment
President Trump told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that the U.S. and Iran are "very close" to a deal — even though Iran said earlier this week it was halting talks and threatened U.S. bases in the region. The statement suggests Trump believes progress is being made despite recent escalations and public statements from Tehran.
Recent Military Exchanges
The U.S. military today struck "coastal surveillance radar sites" in Iran after shooting down four Iranian one-way attack drones. "U.S. forces subsequently struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island to defend against further attacks," CENTCOM said in a post on X. US forces again shoot down Iranian attack drones that threatened Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM says.
Timeline of Conflict
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal. Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations are concluded "one way or the other."
Diplomatic Efforts
Trump's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with a team of experts at a national laboratory in Tennessee on Thursday, as the U.S. works toward nuclear negotiations with Iran. The administration continues diplomatic outreach while maintaining military readiness, reflecting the delicate balance of negotiations while conflicts rage in Lebanon and Gaza.