US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (6 May) that Washington was moving closer to a potential deal with Iran, adding that Tehran could send its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States as part of the proposed deal.
In a phone interview with PBS, Trump expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
“Yes, I think so, but I’ve felt that way before with them, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said when asked if the US was close to a deal with Iran.
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The proposed deal suggests that Iran could send its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States. It is part of ongoing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
If Iran does not agree to the proposed terms, President Trump has warned that the US military campaign against Iran will resume, with the bombing escalating to a much higher level and intensity.
The US has suspended its “Project Freedom” naval initiative to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to see if a final deal with Iran can be reached. This pause is part of ongoing peace efforts and negotiations.
Iran is reviewing the US proposal but has signaled opposition, with state-linked media reporting that the plan contains “excessive and unrealistic proposals” that have been rejected. He is expected to communicate his response through Pakistani intermediaries.
An eventual deal could lead to the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic, including Iran. This waterway is central to the negotiations because of its importance to global energy transit.
He added: “I think we’ll have a very good chance of re-doing the deal. If we don’t, we’ll go back to the old ways.”
Trump says Iran’s uranium will go to US
Trump confirmed reports that the proposed deal could include Iran transferring its highly enriched uranium abroad.
Asked if the uranium could be exported “maybe” to the United States, Trump said: “No, maybe not. It’s going to the United States.”
The US president also suggested that Iran could agree not to operate some underground nuclear facilities.
“Right, yes,” Trump said when asked about the news regarding restrictions on underground facilities.
“They would work in good will for a long time,” he added.
But Trump denied reports that the deal would allow Iran to resume enriching uranium to 3.67 percent purity later in the process.
“No, that’s not part of the deal,” Trump said.
“If they don’t agree, we will bomb”
Despite signaling progress in negotiations, Trump warned that military action could follow if talks break down.
“If they agree, it’s over, and if they don’t agree, we’re going to bomb,” Trump said during the interview.
He later added: “I think it has a very good chance of ending, and if it doesn’t, we have to go back to bombing them. Very simple.”
Trump says direct envoys ‘unlikely’
Trump said he was unlikely to send special envoys Steve Witkoff or Jared Kushner to the talks at this stage.
“Unlikely, I think we can do it here,” Trump said.
“Maybe we’ll have a signing somewhere at the last meeting.”
Trump also hinted that the deal could potentially be finalized ahead of his planned trip to China next week.
“It is possible, yes,” he said. “That would be ideal.
The operation in the Strait of Hormuz was suspended
Trump’s remarks came a day after he announced the US would temporarily suspend its military escort mission for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said the operation was on hold as negotiations continued.
The US president said the pause could help finalize the deal while maintaining broader pressure on Iran through continued restrictions and blockades.
Trump dismisses concerns about oil prices
Trump also addressed concerns about rising energy prices caused by the conflict and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have 1,000 ships that are loaded with oil that can’t, you know, go anywhere,” Trump said.
“When that happens, it will be an oil boom.
He claimed that the predictions of a massive rise in oil and a collapse of the stock market had not come true.
“A lot of people were predicting that oil would go up to $300, $350 (a barrel),” Trump said.
“Well, it’s less than $100 right now.
Trump has argued that the conflict is necessary to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“For what it’s worth, they don’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Trump posted a similar warning on his Truth Social platform, declaring that the US military campaign against Iran would end if Tehran accepted the proposed terms.
“Assuming Iran agrees to give what was agreed upon, which may be a big assumption, the legendary Epic Fury will be over,” Trump wrote.
He added: “If they don’t agree, the bombing will begin.”
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