Trump: Open to Talks with Tehran, War Could End Soon

U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end soon and left open the possibility of talks with Tehran, even as he criticized the country’s newly appointed supreme leader.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he was “not happy” with Mojtaba Khamenei, who replaced his father after he was killed in the opening days of U.S.-Israeli strikes.

“I don’t believe he can live in peace,” Trump said.

Despite the criticism, the president suggested negotiations with Iran remain possible if the conditions are right.

“I hear they want to talk badly,” Trump said. “It’s possible, depends on what terms.”

Trump also told Republican lawmakers that the conflict could be over “very soon,” describing the military campaign as achieving results faster than expected.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff echoed that message, saying Washington remains open to negotiations but only after Iran faces strong pressure.

“I’m sure the president would be open to it,” Witkoff said, adding that “peace through strength matters.”

Witkoff also said he and Jared Kushner may travel to Israel next week for consultations with Israeli officials about the next phase of the war.

The United States and Iran had held several rounds of talks before the conflict began, mediated by Oman, but negotiations collapsed shortly before the February 28 strikes.

Trump has argued that the attacks were necessary to prevent an imminent Iranian strike and said the opening operation destroyed roughly half of Iran’s missile arsenal.

While fighting has continued since then, Trump has indicated he hopes the conflict will remain short if Iran agrees to meet U.S. demands.