Trump claims US talking to ‘right people’ in Iran as Tehran seeks deal

2026-03-24 - 18:50

US President Donald Trump told an audience at a swearing‐in ceremony on Tuesday that Washington has established communication with what he described as the “right” figures in Iran. “Nobody knows who to talk to, but we’re actually talking to the right people,” Trump said, adding that Tehran is desperate to strike a deal. “They want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea how badly they want to make a deal.” Contrasting signals from Tehran Trump’s comments follow a CNN report indicating that the US administration has recently reached out to Iranian officials through various intermediaries to explore the possibility of an agreement. However, sources suggest that these exchanges have not yet risen to the level of formal negotiations. Tehran has consistently maintained a position of distrust toward Washington, and Iranian officials have previously dismissed US claims of direct engagement. A war with widening frontlines The diplomatic maneuvering unfolds against the backdrop of a conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran. That campaign has so far claimed over 1,340 lives, including Iran’s then‐supreme leader. Tehran has retaliated with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets, causing significant infrastructure damage and disrupting global energy markets. Tensions have further escalated since March 2, when Israel expanded its military operations into Lebanon, launching airstrikes on Beirut and initiating ground incursions in the south. Türkiye’s steady diplomatic hand As Washington and Tehran navigate a complex web of indirect signals, Türkiye has emerged as a consistent voice for de‐escalation and dialogue. Ankara has maintained open channels with all parties and continues to advocate for a negotiated settlement to a war that threatens to engulf the broader region. Turkish diplomatic efforts, which have facilitated previous rounds of engagement between adversaries, remain a vital component of any credible path toward a ceasefire and lasting stability.