28 May,2026 08:36 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration would not rush into reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran, dismissing suggestions that domestic political considerations linked to the upcoming midterm elections could influence Washington's position during the negotiations.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump asserted that Iran had misjudged his approach by assuming political pressure at home would force the United States into making concessions at the negotiating table.
"They thought they were going to outwait me," Trump said while addressing reporters. "I don't care about the midterms."
His remarks came amid continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear programme and broader regional security concerns. The negotiations have remained under global scrutiny due to fears that tensions between the two countries could escalate if talks fail.
Trump indicated that the US administration was still dissatisfied with the current terms being discussed and warned that Washington remained prepared to take stronger action if negotiations did not progress in a direction favourable to the United States.
"We're not satisfied with it, but we will be," Trump said. "Either that or we'll have to just finish the job."
Although Trump did not elaborate on what actions the United States could take, his comments appeared to suggest that military options were still being considered if diplomatic efforts collapse.
The President also claimed that Iran was under pressure to secure an agreement due to the economic and political challenges facing the country.
"They want to just make a deal," Trump said. "I don't think they have a choice."
During the Cabinet meeting, Trump also ruled out the possibility of granting sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for Tehran giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
When asked whether sanctions relief could be part of the ongoing framework, Trump firmly rejected the suggestion during a brief phone interaction with PBS News.
"No, not at all. Not sanctions relief," Trump said. "They're going to give up their highly enriched uranium, not for sanctions relief."
The comments highlighted the administration's hardline approach towards Iran's nuclear activities, particularly concerning uranium enrichment levels that Western nations have long viewed as a potential pathway towards nuclear weapons capability.
Earlier in the day, the White House dismissed an Iranian media report that claimed details of a draft understanding between the two countries had emerged.
According to Iran's state-run IRIB TV, the reported draft framework allegedly included the withdrawal of US forces from areas near Iran and the removal of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
However, the White House denied the report, calling it "a complete fabrication."
(With inputs from Agencies)
