Trump's team laid out three conditions for any deal with Iran, Bessent said . Tehran must ditch its highly enriched uranium,drop its nuclear ambitions,and keep the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation.
U.S.-Iran negotiations are still underway,but Bessent wouldn’t confirm if there’s any preliminary agreement. "The teams have been going back and forth," he said. Progress hinges on President Trump’s direction. "It's always a mistake to get out ahead of the president," he added.
At a Cabinet meeting yesterday,Trump made his position clear. Bessent repeated the administration's demands: "Iran has to turn over their highly enriched uranium. They cannot pursue a nuclear weapon. And the Strait of Hormuz has to be free and open as it was before." He stressed Trump wants a good deal for Americans,stating, "He's not going to take a bad deal."
When asked about a possible temporary agreement, which might include a 60-day ceasefire extension, Bessent didn’t commit . He pointed out that the administration's blend of military and economic pressure has brought Iran back to table,something he claimed past administrations couldn’t achieve. "President Trump has done something that no other administration is able to do," he said,suggesting Iran is now taking its nuclear discussions more seriously.
Sanctions relief will depend on real concessions from Iran . He said,"Nothing is going to be on table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open and the Iranians agree that they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium and that they can't have a nuclear program." administration's tough stance shows its intent to tackle these negotiations head-on.
Bessent noted that while the U.S. is open to more talks,patience is wearing thin. He mentioned recent tensions and alleged ceasefire violations, stressing a focus on diplomatic solutions. "President Trump always prefers a peace deal," he said,but warned military options could return if diplomacy fails. "If President Trump doesn't think he can get a peace deal, then kinetic is back," he cautioned.
Bessent also indicated that pressure on Tehran has created issues within the Iranian leadership. He described the Iranian government as having three main parts: the elected government,the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the clerics,noting that communication among these groups has been strained.
The administration’s hardline on these conditions reflects its strategy toward Iran. Talks are still ongoing, but the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides navigating complex interests .
