President Trump is simultaneously halting Iran’s nuclear momentum and forcing a high-stakes diplomatic scramble to avert a wider war.
At a Glance
- Trump publicly denies talking to Iran while aides conduct backchannel nuclear negotiations.
- U.S. bombings hit Iranian nuclear facilities, but they remain largely intact.
- A fragile ceasefire in the Israel–Iran conflict was brokered within 48 hours.
- Diplomatic pressure involves regional intermediaries like Qatar and the Abraham Accords.
- Iran signals openness under duress but remains suspicious of U.S. intentions.
Behind the Covert Negotiations
Despite Trump’s repeated public denials, a covert diplomatic campaign is underway within his administration to re-engage Iran on nuclear talks. Spearheaded by envoy Steve Witkoff, these negotiations are unfolding through informal channels—particularly with intermediaries in the Gulf—aiming to resurrect a nuclear deal to replace the abandoned JCPOA, according to The Times.
Simultaneously, American and Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. While the attacks disrupted operations, analysts confirm Iran’s primary enrichment sites remain structurally intact, based on independent reporting. Allegations of a proposed $30 billion U.S. civilian nuclear aid package to Iran were swiftly denied by Trump’s aides, as noted in a Reuters report.
Watch a report: A whirlwind 48 hours: How Trump’s Israel–Iran ceasefire agreement came together
Fragile Peace Under Pressure
Within 48 hours of the strikes, Trump announced a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, facilitated by Qatari mediation. The speed and secrecy of this diplomatic maneuver stunned observers and was later confirmed by AP investigations. Despite surface-level compliance, Israeli operations reportedly continued in contested border zones, prompting a rare presidential rebuke from Trump, as detailed in The Times.
As a gesture toward regional stabilization, the administration also lifted several sanctions on Syria and expanded participation in the Abraham Accords. These moves are interpreted by regional analysts as a hybrid strategy combining force and diplomacy.
What Comes Next
Iran’s government, though reeling from infrastructure losses, has signaled conditional openness to negotiations. Officials cite past betrayals—particularly Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA—as reasons for caution, according to TIME reporting. Tehran now demands explicit non-military assurances before committing to any future pact.
A critical summit between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled for July 7, with the nuclear file expected to dominate talks. Diplomatic insiders argue that any sustainable agreement must include transparent inspection protocols and partial sanctions relief, as suggested in a recent TIME analysis.
While Trump showcases force to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, his inner circle is quietly banking on diplomacy to forestall a broader regional war. The clock, however, is ticking.
