Trump says US close to reaching nuclear deal with Iran amid ongoing Gulf talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington is edging closer to securing a nuclear agreement with Iran, claiming Tehran had "sort of" agreed to the proposed terms.

Speaking during a visit to the Gulf, President Trump told reporters, "We're in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace," Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Fresh discussions between U.S. and Iranian negotiators concluded in Oman on May 11, with further rounds of talks expected in the coming weeks. Officials have said the talks aimed at resolving longstanding tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, though key disagreements remain.

Despite both sides expressing a preference for diplomacy over conflict, the two governments remain at odds over several core issues.

Tehran insists on maintaining its uranium enrichment activities, a major sticking point in the negotiations.

As a reminder, negotiations between the United States and Iran over a potential revival or revision of the nuclear agreement continue, with both sides citing ongoing challenges. The latest round of indirect talks, held in Muscat on May 11, ended with no breakthrough but included what diplomats described as “measured progress.” Key issues remain unresolved, particularly Iran’s uranium enrichment levels and U.S. sanctions relief.

Iranian officials noted that discussions were constructive but difficult. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that while key differences remain, both sides have shown willingness to engage. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration has reiterated its call for Iran to return to full compliance with nuclear restrictions, alongside broader discussions on regional security.

Iran recently revealed the Qassem Bassir medium-range missile, which Tehran says is part of its conventional defence strategy. The development came as Iran marked its annual National Defence Industry Day, though it drew international attention amid the sensitive timing of the nuclear negotiations.

Saudi Arabia, a key regional stakeholder, has publicly backed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a framework that enhances regional stability and security.

The talks come as the “sunset clauses” of the 2015 nuclear agreement are set to expire in October, raising the stakes for a possible diplomatic resolution.

By Aghakazim Guliyev