The Trump administration has rejected returning to a preliminary June agreement with Iran as the White House says no negotiations are currently underway.
Aug 28, 2026, 6:14 AM (GMT+3)
Donald TrumpWhite House Photo by Molly Riley
The Trump administration has reportedly rejected a return to the framework of a preliminary agreement reached with Iran in June, making efforts to revive diplomatic talks more difficult, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report came as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States is not currently engaged in negotiations with Tehran.
Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Leavitt stated, “There are currently no negotiations happening,” while adding that “all options remain on the table.”
The latest developments follow President Donald Trump’s remarks a day earlier indicating that he has no timetable for the conflict with Iran and is willing to let the fighting continue for as long as necessary.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Trump said he was “not in a hurry” to resume negotiations with Tehran and stressed: “I have no time schedule, none.”
He also said that both economic pressure and military action against Iran had been “both effective.”
Trump further portrayed Iran’s economic situation as worsening, saying the country was facing “massive inflation” and that its economy was “falling apart.” He also accused the Iranian government of “treating their people very badly, they are killing many, many protesters.”
On Thursday, Trump dismissed reports that he is seeking a meeting with Iranian officials to negotiate an agreement, insisting that Tehran is the side pushing for renewed talks.
“Jonathan Hunt of FoxNews did a particularly inaccurate report on the Failing Islamic Republic of Iran. I don’t want to meet, they do. In fact, they are begging to make a deal. Bret Baier should straighten out his flunkies, for a change!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The President followed up with another post declaring, “Iran Is a Failing Nation!”
Negotiations between the United States and Iran over a permanent agreement remain stalled. While US strikes against the Islamic Republic continued until recently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced “Operation Economic Outcast,” a major economic campaign intended to isolate Iran and cut off revenue streams supporting the Iranian regime.
Although military strikes have currently paused, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Monday that Washington has not eliminated the possibility of further military action against Iran.
“By no means are we foreclosing using kinetic strikes anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran,” Hegseth told reporters.
Hegseth also said Iran is unable to withstand the economic pressure being imposed by the United States.
About The Author
