President Trump predicted a swift resolution to negotiations with Iran, telling Axios he expects U.S. and Iranian negotiators to meet over the weekend and reach a final agreement within days. "The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend. I think we will get a deal in the next day or two," Trump said in a brief phone interview.
Trump, who has spoken directly with an Iranian official in recent days, sounded confident about the trajectory of talks. But multiple U.S. officials and other sources briefed on the negotiations painted a more cautious picture. While significant progress has been made and negotiators are closing in on a three-page peace plan, substantial gaps remain on critical issues.
The framework under discussion includes the U.S. releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for Iran surrendering its enriched uranium stockpile. A moratorium on Iranian uranium enrichment is also part of the proposal.
On the maritime issue that has complicated negotiations, Trump said he will not lift the naval blockade on Iran before a deal is finalized. He stressed his desire to keep the strait open to all parties. Iran announced Friday it would open the strait through the remainder of a ceasefire lasting until April 21, though implementation details remain murky.
Trump also addressed the Israeli dimension of any agreement. He said the deal will "make Israel safe" and asserted that "Israel is going to come out great." But he drew a firm line on Israeli military operations, declaring that strikes on Lebanon must stop. "Israel has to stop. They can't continue to blow buildings up. I am not gonna allow it," he said.
The positioning underscores tension within Israel's government. Some Israeli officials oppose a broader agreement and want military operations against Iran and Lebanese targets to continue. But Trump's opposition to further strikes significantly constrains those options. An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon occurred Friday evening, shortly before Trump's interview.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's confidence in a quick finish doesn't match what actual negotiators are saying about the gaps that still need closing."
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