The US president says negotiations with Tehran are nearing a breakthrough, but insists Iran must make firmer commitments on its nuclear programme, while signalling openness to engaging with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may be on the verge of a breakthrough with Iran, declaring that the two sides are “very close” to reaching an agreement while making clear that any deal must include stronger commitments from Tehran on its nuclear programme.

The statement come at a critical stage in negotiations that have unfolded alongside months of military confrontation, economic pressure and diplomatic manoeuvring between the two long time adversaries.

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Despite expressing optimism about the prospects for an agreement, Trump has indicated that key differences remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the long-term limits on its nuclear activities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump said the United States was “very close” to an agreement but stressed that Iran would need to accept stricter nuclear terms before a final deal could be completed. NBC News also reported that Trump believes Iranian leaders have little choice but to eventually reach an agreement despite ongoing resistance from Tehran.

Nuclear issue remains the sticking point

While the administration has projected confidence about the direction of talks, US officials have increasingly emphasised the need for written and verifiable commitments from Iran.

According to reports, Trump has pushed negotiators to secure firmer assurances on the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and the broader framework governing its nuclear programme. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has similarly argued that any agreement must address the disposition of enriched uranium and establish a path toward stronger nuclear restrictions.

The tougher stance reflects longstanding concerns in Washington and among US allies that a temporary arrangement could leave unresolved questions about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump has repeatedly insisted that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the central objective of negotiations.

A shift in tone toward Mojtaba Khamenei

One of the more striking aspects of Trump’s recent comments was his assessment of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

The US president described Khamenei as “brave” and suggested he would be open to direct engagement if negotiations continue to progress. Trump also indicated that he had heard positive assessments of the Iranian leader despite the tensions that have defined relations between the two countries.

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The comments represent a notable contrast to the confrontational rhetoric that has often characterised US-Iran relations. At the same time, Trump has not abandoned the pressure tactics that underpin his negotiating strategy.

Pressure remains part of the strategy

Even as talks advance, the White House has maintained that sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets will come only after a formal agreement is reached.

Trump told NBC News that Washington would not ease sanctions or unfreeze assets in advance of a deal, arguing that economic pressure remains one of the administration’s most effective sources of leverage.

That combination of diplomacy and pressure has become the defining feature of the administration’s Iran policy. Analysts say it reflects an effort to balance optimism about a potential breakthrough with a determination to secure stronger safeguards than previous agreements.

Whether the two sides can bridge the remaining gaps remains uncertain. Yet Trump’s latest remarks suggest that, after months of conflict and negotiations, Washington believes an agreement may finally be within reach, provided Tehran accepts the stricter nuclear commitments the US is demanding.

First Published:
June 07, 2026, 23:52 IST

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