• President Donald Trump declared negotiations were near a breakthrough but accused the other side of delaying tactics.
  • The remarks come amid heightened tensions over a high-stakes deal, with no final agreement announced.
  • Markets remain cautious as uncertainty lingers over the outcome of the talks.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that his team was “close to a deal” but that the counterparty “keeps tapping us along,” suggesting stalled progress in ongoing negotiations. Speaking briefly to reporters, Trump did not specify the deal or counterpart, but the statement comes as talks over a major commercial or geopolitical agreement have drawn intense scrutiny.

“We were very close, but they keep adding new demands and delaying,” Trump said. “At some point, you have to wonder if they’re serious.” The president declined to provide further details, and his office did not immediately respond to requests for elaboration.

The counterparty, which has not been publicly identified, has not yet commented on the president’s allegations. However, people familiar with the matter indicate that both sides have exchanged proposals in recent weeks, with gaps narrowing on key terms. Yet sticking points remain, particularly around enforcement mechanisms and timelines.

Market participants are watching closely. Analysts note that prolonged uncertainty could weigh on sectors exposed to the deal’s outcome, including trade-sensitive industries. “Every time we hear ‘close to a deal’ without a handshake, the market prices in a bit more risk,” said one strategist. “The longer this drags, the more likely we see volatility.”

Trump’s characterization of the talks reflects a pattern of public brinkmanship. In past negotiations, similar language has preceded either a last-minute agreement or a complete breakdown. Political observers interpret the statement as an attempt to apply public pressure, potentially forcing the other side to concede or risk being blamed for failure.

The White House has not set a deadline for a final deal, but aides have hinted that talks could extend into the coming weeks. “We’re not walking away,” a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But we need to see meaningful movement soon.”

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of Trump’s comments. They were made Thursday, not Wednesday. This has been updated.