US President Donald Trump has said Iran can initiate contact by telephone if it wishes to negotiate an end to the ongoing two-month conflict, while reiterating that Tehran must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.
Speaking on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, Trump stressed that communication channels remain open, saying Iran “can come to us, or they can call us,” adding that secure telephone lines are available for dialogue.
“The key point is very simple: they cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise, there is no reason to meet,” he said, underscoring Washington’s firm position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks have stalled, following the cancellation of a planned visit to Islamabad by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, despite continued regional shuttle diplomacy by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Araghchi has been engaging with mediating countries in an attempt to ease tensions, including a return visit to Pakistan for further discussions, although no direct US-Iran talks have taken place.
Iran has consistently called for recognition of its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, a position it maintains is peaceful, while Western governments continue to argue it raises concerns over potential weaponisation.
Although a ceasefire has temporarily halted large-scale fighting that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb 28, no comprehensive agreement has been reached to formally end the conflict.
The war has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths and has had significant global economic impact, including rising oil prices, inflationary pressure, and growing uncertainty over global economic growth.
