President Donald Trump offered differing public assessments Monday of U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, first telling CNBC he “couldn’t care less” if talks ended, then posting shortly afterward that discussions were moving “at a rapid pace.” His comments followed Iranian state-linked reports that Tehran was preparing to suspend indirect talks over Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
The diplomatic uncertainty comes as the cease-fire between Washington and Tehran shows renewed strain. U.S. Central Command said American forces carried out self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and command-and-control sites after Iran allegedly shot down a U.S. drone over international waters. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it responded by targeting the air base used in the attack. CENTCOM later reported intercepting two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at U.S. forces in Kuwait, with no American casualties.
Trump also wrote that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that U.S. troops would not go to Beirut. He further claimed to have held a “very good call” with Hezbollah and said Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop shooting. Iran has not publicly confirmed whether negotiations have resumed.
Energy markets reacted to the latest violence. Brent crude rose about 3% Monday, while U.S. natural gas prices also increased briefly. The article notes that Iran’s restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a route for roughly one-fifth of global oil production, have contributed to higher energy costs and broader economic concerns. U.S. gasoline prices averaged $4.32 per gallon Monday, according to AAA.
Major disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait. Iranian officials accuse Washington of shifting demands, while Trump says Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon and must reopen the waterway without tolls or mines. Analysts describe the talks as fragile and mistrustful. No formal breakthrough was reported by either side Monday.