Kamal Ghorui
US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed it will “never have a nuclear weapon”, even as fighting in the region continued and Tehran publicly denied that formal negotiations are underway.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump projected confidence that diplomatic efforts were gaining traction after nearly a month of war. “The fact that they are talking to us and they are talking sense. It all starts with: they cannot have a nuclear weapon. They said, what are the top 10? I said, number 1, 2 and 3 is they can’t have a nuclear weapon… They have agreed that they will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Trump also claimed that Iran had sent what he described as a “very big present” linked to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a sign that the US was “dealing with the right people”. He did not elaborate on the nature of the move, but tied it to broader efforts to reopen the vital oil shipping route, which has been disrupted during the conflict.The President added that the US was in a strong negotiating position. “We will have control of anything we want. If we can end this without more lives being down… I would like to be able to do that. They can’t have certain things. It starts with no nuclear weapons, and they have agreed to that,” he said.Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian officials have rejected claims that talks are taking place. Tehran has instead struck a defiant tone, insisting it will continue fighting “until complete victory” even as international mediation efforts gather pace.Pakistan has emerged as a potential intermediary, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offering to host talks. Trump acknowledged that multiple senior figures, including Vice President J D Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, were involved in outreach efforts.Reports suggest Washington has floated a 15-point proposal that would impose strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, including ending uranium enrichment and transferring enriched material. In return, sanctions relief and assistance with civilian nuclear energy projects could be offered, alongside guarantees to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.There are also indications that a temporary ceasefire could be explored to create space for negotiations, although no formal agreement has been confirmed.
War intensifies even as talks discussed
On the ground, the conflict shows little sign of easing. Israeli strikes have targeted sites across Iran and allied positions in the region, while Iranian missiles and drones have hit Israel and neighbouring countries.The United States is also increasing its military footprint, with around 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division expected to deploy, joining thousands of Marines already heading to the Middle East. The build-up has fuelled speculation that Washington is preparing contingency plans even as it pursues diplomacy.At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the talks, with disruptions sending global oil prices sharply higher and raising concerns about the wider economic fallout.
