Trump, Rubio say talks with Tehran ongoing despite Iranian media claims otherwise
President Trump on Monday told CNBC that "I really don't care. I couldn't care less" when asked about the prospect of Iran ending talks with the U.S.
TL;DR
- U.S. and Iran are reportedly in ongoing negotiations, according to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Iranian state media (Fars and Tasnim) had claimed that message exchanges had ceased and that Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump refuted these claims on Truth Social, stating communications have been continuous.
- Rubio mentioned the prospect of Iran negotiating aspects of its nuclear program, a significant shift from previous stances.
- Rubio defended the U.S. strikes against Iran, citing Iran's efforts to build a 'conventional shield' around its nuclear program.
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a central demand for de-escalation, requiring Iran to stop firing on commercial ships and declare the strait open.
- Some lawmakers are concerned about the war's economic impact and Trump's authority to continue the conflict without congressional authorization.
- Democrats accuse the administration of avoiding congressional oversight on the war.