US President Donald Trump has rejected extending the June framework agreement with Iran as the 60-day negotiating period nears its deadline. The framework aimed to create a path toward ending the conflict and reaching a broader agreement.
Pakistan helped mediate the agreement between the two sides. However, negotiations have yet to produce a comprehensive final settlement.
Asked whether he wanted to extend the agreement, Trump replied, “No.”
The US president said Iran remained willing to negotiate but had not accepted the conditions he considered necessary. He indicated that Washington would continue pushing for a deal that meets its demands.
“They want to make a deal, but they are not going to make the kind of a deal that I feel is necessary,” he said.
Trump Insists Iran Must Not Develop Nuclear Weapons
Trump again highlighted Iran’s nuclear programme as the central issue in the negotiations. He said Washington’s primary objective remained preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“We’re in there for one reason: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding that Tehran “won’t have a nuclear weapon.”
His remarks come as the 60-day negotiating period approaches its end. The lack of a comprehensive agreement has increased uncertainty over the next phase of US-Iran relations.
Trump Defends Position on Strait of Hormuz
Trump also defended his recent suggestion that the United States could declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory. He claimed American forces had established “total control” over the strategically important waterway through a blockade.
“I just think it’s a great idea,” Trump said when asked about the proposal.
“We control it. We control it with the blockade,” he said.
Trump argued that the US measures had been effective despite the possibility of disruption by Iran. He also pointed to continued oil shipments through the region.
According to Trump, millions of barrels of oil were still moving through the area each week. He linked the continued flow to declining oil prices.
“The strait is open, and the oil prices are coming down, and they will continue to come down unless we decide to do something far more drastic than we are doing,” he said.
He also warned that Iran was “in big trouble”.
Trump Criticises Oman’s Diplomatic Role
Trump also addressed Oman’s involvement in diplomatic efforts involving Iran. Oman has played a role in negotiations concerning Iran and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked whether he had lost patience with Oman, Trump criticised the country’s handling of the situation. However, he suggested that Washington could manage the disagreement.
“No, I don’t think they behaved very well, but we’d handle them very easily, just like we do other things,” he said.
With the 60-day framework approaching its deadline, negotiations remain unresolved. Trump’s rejection of an extension adds further uncertainty to diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader agreement with Iran.
