President Trump said Sunday he expects U.S. negotiators to hold additional talks with Iran this week, a day after he rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries, according to a phone interview with Axios.
Two regional sources confirmed Trump's comment, telling Axios they anticipate another round of indirect dialogue between Washington and Tehran as early as Monday, though it remains unclear whether the two sides can close the gap between their positions.
Qatar and other regional mediators have been working to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran, but the two governments remain far apart on core issues. Iran wants any talks to focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. naval blockade, while the Trump administration is insisting that Iran agree to nuclear concessions.
"I expect more talks with Iran this week," Trump said, adding that Iran wants to make a deal but "not the deal that I want to make." He said the offer on the table resembled terms the U.S. might have accepted roughly a year earlier, saying Iran "overplayed their hand."
Asked whether he was considering resuming military strikes against Iran, Trump said, "I am alwa...