Trump says he is in 'no rush' to decide on new Iran bombing campaign as diplomatic talks continue

In a phone interview with Axios on Monday, Trump said his administration would eventually take action but was willing to give negotiations more time. "One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush," Trump said, claiming that U.S. pressure had severely weakened Iran's economy.

He added that Iran was facing financial difficulties, fuel shortages and growing public frustration, increasing pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington. Qatar Leads Efforts to Revive US-Iran Negotiations. Qatari mediators have prepared a draft agreement outlining a three-day series of confidence-building measures aimed at restarting direct negotiations between the United States and Iran,.

A diplomat familiar with the discussions said mediators were awaiting responses from both countries. Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi traveled to Tehran on Monday to discuss the proposed agreement, with diplomatic sources indicating that progress was being made.

Trump said discussions with Iran were progressing but acknowledged concerns about Tehran's negotiating approach. "We are talking to them. It's going fine," he said, adding that Iran wanted a deal but appeared less urgent about reaching one than Washington expected.

Hours after the interview, Trump posted on Truth Social that oil prices had dropped sharply because markets expected a settlement rather than another war. He wrote that Iran wanted an agreement as soon as possible and suggested a deal could be reached.

Trump Weighs Three Possible Strategies on Iran. The president is reportedly considering three competing approaches, with different senior officials and international partners advocating different strategies. The first option is a diplomatic settlement.

Vice President JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff are encouraging Trump to pursue negotiations, arguing that renewed military action may not improve the situation. Several Gulf countries reportedly support this approach. The second option involves resuming military operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly favor renewed combat, arguing that Iran cannot be trusted to negotiate or honor an agreement. The third approach involves maintaining economic pressure without launching new strikes or immediately reaching a deal.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly supporting this strategy. discussions, Ratcliffe has argued that sustained economic pressure could force Iran to make further concessions or increase domestic instability. Iran Signals Readiness for Diplomatic Agreement.

Iranian officials have also expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had granted the government certain authorities to pursue a diplomatic settlement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomatic exchanges had become increasingly intensive, with Qatar and Pakistan playing active roles as mediators.

He said Tehran had presented its conditions and proposals and was prepared to engage in genuine negotiations. However, Araghchi warned that Iran would respond forcefully if Washington pursued military operations or attempted to deceive Tehran.

He also linked the resumption of negotiations to U.S. acceptance of Iran's conditions concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Russia and China Join Diplomatic Efforts. Russia and China are also becoming increasingly involved in efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation Monday with Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, to discuss diplomatic efforts. Russia has reportedly offered to participate in a potential nuclear agreement, including by receiving Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium.

Meanwhile, a deputy to Rezaei traveled to Beijing and met with China's foreign minister. China has also called on Washington and Tehran to resume direct negotiations to bring the conflict to an end. Vance Says Washington Sees Pathway to Agreement.

Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the prospects for a negotiated settlement, saying he and Trump were encouraged by recent diplomatic progress. "We made some progress and we will see if we can make some more," Vance.

He emphasized that the administration had not established a strict deadline for resuming military strikes. Vance reiterated that Washington's main priority was preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program, insisting that any agreement must include firm and verifiable guarantees.

For now, Trump appears prepared to allow diplomacy and economic pressure to continue while keeping the possibility of renewed military action on the table.