Trump: War With Iran Over, US Officials Will Meet Iranians ‘Next Week’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced upcoming talks between U.S. and Iranian officials following a fragile ceasefire. While Trump claims Iran’s nuclear program was “obliterated,” Tehran insists its atomic efforts continue. The IAEA seeks to resume inspections as tensions remain high over nuclear damage assessments.
Quick Look
- Trump Announces Talks: President Trump says U.S. and Iranian officials will meet next week after the fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire, though Iran has not confirmed.
- Ceasefire Holding: Following U.S. and Israeli strikes, the ceasefire between Tehran and Israel is holding, giving hope for longer-term peace.
- Nuclear Tensions Persist: Iran accelerates its nuclear program and halts cooperation with the IAEA amid global calls for diplomatic resolution.
Trump: War With Iran Over, US Officials Will Meet Iranians ‘Next Week’
Deep Look
Next Week’s Dialogue
Speaking from the NATO summit in The Hague, President Trump declared that “U.S. and Iranian officials will talk next week.”
He said this marks continued engagement “even though the war is done.” Trump emphasized he wasn’t eager to restart negotiations, insisting U.S. strikes “destroyed Iran’s nuclear program.”
Ceasefire Remains Intact
The fragile ceasefire, now in effect since Tuesday—the 12th day of the Israel-Iran conflict—holds steady.
Trump, credited with its negotiation, proclaimed at the summit that “it’s going very well” and insisted that “Iran was not going to have a bomb and they’re not going to enrich.”
Iranian Pushback on Talks
Iran hasn’t confirmed the upcoming dialogue. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, suggested U.S. actions “torpedoed diplomacy.” He insisted Iran would only engage in sincere discussions that don’t compromise national security.
IAEA in Turmoil
In Parliament, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf backed a proposal to fast-track ending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He criticized the agency for failing to condemn U.S. strikes on Tehran. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization is prepared to suspend work until its nuclear sites are secured.
IAEA chief Rafael Mariano Grossi responded swiftly, urging inspectors to return to Iran and reassess its uranium stockpiles, noting Tehran may have moved enriched material prior to the strikes. “We need to return,” he said.
U.S. and Israeli Damage Claims
Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission stated that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes had “set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years,” though the commission didn’t present specific evidence. Trump defended this claim at NATO, dismissing U.S. intelligence suggesting only minor delays.
He scoffed at “a U.S. intelligence report” but insisted that rebuilding would take “years.”
Iran’s Baghaei acknowledged that U.S. B‑2 bombers caused “significant damage” to nuclear targets.
U.S. Envoy’s Confidence
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Mideast envoy, stated on Fox News that the strikes halted Iran’s enrichment capabilities and that the ceasefire was simply “quiet for quiet.” He called U.S.–Iran conversations promising, voicing hope for “a comprehensive peace agreement.”
European and International Perspectives
French President Emmanuel Macron, referencing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, encouraged renewed diplomacy. China, an ally of Iran, expressed hope for a “lasting and effective ceasefire” promoting stability. Grossi emphasized that this window should lead to long-term diplomatic engagement rather than being wasted.
Human Rights on Edge
During the conflict, Iran executed three prisoners for alleged espionage, raising concern that these actions could grow post-war. With wartime casualties surpassing 600 in Iran and 28 in Israel, the region faces mounting humanitarian issues.
Return to Normalcy?
State media reported that Iranians have begun resuming daily life. Roads around the Caspian Sea are bustling, while Tehran shows signs of a return to normal routines as the ceasefire holds.
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