Donald Trump said Iran has made meaningful progress in negotiations — but not enough to avoid potential escalation.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal, a significant step,” Trump told reporters at the White House Easter Egg Roll. “It’s not good enough, but it’s a very significant step.”
The remarks come as the administration pushes toward a hard deadline for Tehran to accept U.S. terms aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil markets.
Behind the scenes, negotiations are active but fragile.
Iran has floated counterproposals to a broader U.S. framework, but major sticking points remain — including nuclear restrictions and control of key shipping routes.
Trump made clear patience is limited.
He warned that if Iran refuses to yield, the U.S. could escalate strikes targeting critical infrastructure, including power systems and transportation networks.
“We are obliterating that country… and if they don’t [come to terms], they’ll have no bridges, they’ll have no power plants,” Trump said, signaling the stakes if diplomacy fails.
At the same time, the president previewed a separate development: the recovery of two American airmen after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down.
“They are both recovering very well,” Trump said, adding the pilots were fortunate to survive after ejecting behind enemy lines.
The broader conflict — now weeks old — has become a volatile mix of military pressure and last-minute diplomacy.
Mediators, including regional actors, have attempted to broker temporary ceasefires, but talks remain uncertain as both sides dig in.
Trump also raised eyebrows by openly discussing a potential post-war scenario involving Iran’s oil.
“If it were up to me, I’d take the oil. I’d keep the oil,” he said, framing it as both an economic and strategic move — though acknowledging Americans may prefer bringing troops home.
