- President Donald Trump says it's "too soon" to plan peace talks with Iran, despite reports of a near deal.
- He warns that failure to accept U.S. terms will trigger intensified military action, while a deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. posture signals a "deal-or-pressure" approach, with global energy markets on edge.
President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the prospects of imminent peace talks with Iran on Thursday, pushing back against reports of a breakthrough. "It's too soon to plan peace talks," he said, adding that negotiations are "not there yet." The comments came amid speculation that U.S. and Iranian officials were nearing a framework agreement.
Trump linked the possibility of ending hostilities to Iran's acceptance of U.S. terms, which include constraints on uranium enrichment, limits on ballistic missiles, and an end to support for regional proxies. "If they accept our terms, we can end hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz could reopen," he said. However, he warned that failure to agree would trigger intensified military action, reinforcing a high-stakes posture.
According to people familiar with the matter, the U.S. has presented preconditions that Iran has rejected as sovereignty infringements, particularly around missile-related concerns. Iranian officials have publicly dismissed the demands as unacceptable.
The situation carries direct implications for global energy markets, given the Strait of Hormuz's role as a critical chokepoint for oil shipments. Traders are pricing in heightened risk as the White House maintains its dual track of negotiations and pressure. "Markets are watching for any signs of de-escalation or escalation," said one analyst.
Efforts to reach the White House for further comment were not immediately successful. The backdrop echoes previous U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy cycles, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) era, where negotiations often stalled amid mutual distrust.