U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States and Iran are “very close” to reaching an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, adding that negotiators from both sides could meet for a second round of talks as early as this weekend.
“Let’s see what happens. But I think we are very close to reaching a deal with Iran,” Trump told reporters at the White House on April 16, repeatedly emphasizing that the sides were “close” and suggesting there was a strong chance of a breakthrough.
Speaking later at an event in Las Vegas, Trump reiterated his optimism, saying the situation was “going very well” and that the conflict “should end very soon.”
He did not provide detailed terms of a potential agreement but stated that Iran had agreed to return what he referred to as its “nuclear dust,” a reference to enriched uranium reserves, which are considered a key component in nuclear weapons if further enriched.
Trump added that he was uncertain whether a two-week ceasefire, set to expire on April 22, would need to be extended, warning that if no agreement is reached, hostilities could resume.
He also claimed that Iran is currently interested in reaching a deal, describing relations as unexpectedly functional despite ongoing tensions.
The first round of U.S.-Iran talks reportedly took place in Islamabad on April 11–12 and ended without an agreement. A second round is expected to potentially take place again in Pakistan, according to the White House.
Earlier, a Pakistani delegation led by army chief Asim Munir reportedly visited Tehran to relay messages from Washington.
Trump also referenced a separate 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which he said includes Hezbollah, adding to his broader comments on regional de-escalation efforts.
