Trump Team Explores Iran Peace Talks After Weeks of War

The administration of Donald Trump has begun preliminary discussions on the next phase of the conflict and potential peace negotiations with Iran after three weeks of fighting, according to a U.S. official and sources familiar with the matter.

Trump's advisers are exploring diplomatic options to end the war and have initiated indirect communications with Iran through third countries, the sources said. Early exchanges have included both sides outlining six conditions each, signaling initial groundwork for possible negotiations.

Key principles under consideration include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, addressing Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, and reaching a long-term agreement covering Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities and support for proxy forces across the Middle East.

Diplomatic Signals Amid Ongoing Fighting

Trump said on Friday he is considering a 'phased end' to the war, although U.S. officials expect fighting to continue for another two to three weeks. At the same time, his advisers have begun laying the groundwork for a diplomatic resolution.

A U.S. official and two sources said there has been no direct contact between Washington and Tehran in recent days. However, Egypt, Qatar and the United Kingdom have relayed messages between the two sides. Egypt and Qatar have informed the United States and Israel that Iran is open to talks, but under strict conditions.

U.S. requirements for any agreement include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, resolving Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, and securing long-term commitments on nuclear activities, missile programs and regional proxy support.

Iran, for its part, is seeking a ceasefire, guarantees against future conflict and compensation.

Sources said Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have re-engaged in related diplomatic efforts.

U.S. Conditions for Iran

A U.S. official who believes Iran may return to negotiations said Washington's position is that it has already constrained Iran's capabilities.

According to the official, the United States is seeking six commitments from Iran:

• No development of missile programs for five years

• A complete halt to uranium enrichment

• Closure of nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow that were previously targeted by U.S. and Israeli strikes

• Strict external monitoring of centrifuges and nuclear-related machinery

• A regional arms control agreement capping missile numbers at no more than 1,000

• An end to financial support for proxy groups including Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas

Iran's Conditions

An anonymous Iranian official told Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV that Tehran has also outlined six conditions in response to ceasefire proposals conveyed by regional mediators.

According to the report, Iran's conditions include:

• Guarantees that the war will not resume

• Closure of U.S. military bases in the Middle East

• Compensation paid to Iran by the attacking side

• An end to all active conflict fronts in the region

• A new legal framework governing the Strait of Hormuz

• Prosecution and extradition of individuals accused of anti-Iran activities

Persistent Gaps and Political Constraints

Iran has previously rejected several of these demands. Leaders in Tehran have expressed skepticism about negotiating with a U.S. president they accuse of engaging in talks before launching military action.

On Saturday, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told his Indian counterpart that stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz requires the United States and Israel to halt attacks on Iran and commit to not resuming them.

Trump said Friday he does not oppose negotiations but is currently not interested in meeting Iran's ceasefire demands. A U.S. official described Tehran's compensation demand as 'unrealistic.'

Potential Room for Compromise

One U.S. official said there may be flexibility regarding Iran's frozen assets.

'They could describe it publicly as 'compensation', while we frame it as returning frozen funds,' the official said. 'This is the art of language, but we first need to reach a stage where wording becomes the main issue.'

Key Questions: Interlocutors and Mediators

Trump's team is working to identify the appropriate Iranian decision-maker and the most effective mediator.

U.S. officials said Foreign Minister Araghchi has played a central role in past negotiations, but Trump's advisers believe he may not have final authority to conclude a deal.

Washington is also reassessing mediation channels. While Oman previously facilitated nuclear talks, U.S. officials are now seeking alternative intermediaries, with Qatar viewed as a preferred option due to its role in regional diplomacy.

Two sources said Qatar is willing to assist behind the scenes but does not want to serve as the primary public mediator.

Regional Diplomatic Activity Intensifies

Separately, Turkish diplomatic sources said Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has held discussions with Iranian, Egyptian, U.S. and European Union officials on steps to end the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

According to the sources, Fidan spoke by phone on Sunday with Araghchi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and U.S. officials, though no further details were disclosed.