President Trump told The New York Post Wednesday morning that it is “too soon” to begin direct negotiations with Iran, tempering optimistic reports that the two nations are approaching a potential accord to end their 67-day conflict.
When asked whether the Post should prepare to send reporters back to Pakistan for another round of talks after sources indicated a tentative deal was imminent, Trump responded dismissively. “I don’t think so,” he said. “I think we’ll do it—it’s too far. No, it’s too much.”
The remarks suggest the president may be more skeptical of the diplomatic momentum than White House officials have publicly indicated, even as negotiations continue in Islamabad with Pakistan serving as a key intermediary.
“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” Trump posted on Truth Social shortly before the call. “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”
The president’s skepticism contradicts reports from the White House suggesting a breakthrough is within reach. Axios reported that officials believe they are nearing agreement on a one-page proposal laying out principles for a final peace deal, which would involve Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the U.S. lifting sanctions and releasing billions in frozen Iranian assets, and both sides removing restrictions on Strait of Hormuz navigation.
However, The Post reported that multiple versions of the proposal remain under discussion, with key points still undecided. “Which one is going to be approved, no one knows,” said a Pakistani source familiar with mediation efforts.
Trump has previously stated he opposes offering Iran merely a moratorium on uranium enrichment, insisting instead that the country never be afforded the opportunity to pursue such enrichment again—a harder line than what some proposals appear to contain.
The incremental progress comes after Trump on Tuesday announced a temporary halt to “Project Freedom,” a U.S. military operation that had been escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to keep the critical waterway open.
Trump made the decision at the request of Pakistan and “other countries,” including Saudi Arabia, who indicated the pause could facilitate a negotiated end to the conflict.
The president previously said he would be willing to personally travel to Pakistan to sign a formal agreement out of deference to Pakistan’s defense chief, Asim Munir, whose mediation efforts have been central to the talks.
Trump abruptly ended Wednesday’s call with The Post, citing an appointment with “the generals.”
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