Washington: Us president Trump said on Thursday that Iran has approached the United States to discuss whether harsh American sanctions could be lifted, suggesting a possible shift in Tehran’s stance as both nations face renewed tension over nuclear and regional issues.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that Iranian officials have been asking if the sanctions could be lifted, adding that the economic restrictions have severely hurt Iran’s economy. He said the sanctions are very heavy and make it really hard for them, but added that the United States will see what happens, signaling cautious openness to future discussions.
The comment comes as relations between Washington and Tehran remain strained. Since returning to office in January, President Trump has revived his maximum pressure strategy, tightening economic sanctions and issuing repeated warnings to Iran over its nuclear activities. Despite these pressures, Iran’s leadership has publicly maintained a defiant tone, insisting that it will not bow to U.S. demands.
In recent months, tensions escalated after Iran formally declared the end of the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The agreement, originally designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, has effectively collapsed after years of disputes. European nations including Britain, France and Germany have since notified the United Nations about reinstating old sanctions following Iran’s violations of nuclear limits.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that talks with Washington would only be possible if the United States ends its military presence in the Middle East and stops supporting Israel. However, economic struggles inside Iran, worsened by sanctions, may have pushed officials to quietly explore ways to ease restrictions.
Trump’s remarks hint that behind the scenes communications could be taking place. Although no formal negotiations have been announced, analysts believe that Iran might be testing whether Washington is willing to ease sanctions in exchange for partial cooperation on nuclear issues or regional security.
For the United States, the situation presents a delicate balance. Trump’s administration remains committed to preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program, but the president has also emphasized his preference for direct deals over prolonged conflicts.
He said earlier this week that the United States is always ready to talk, but only if it is in America’s interest.
Observers say Trump’s statement could open a small window for renewed diplomacy after months of tension. Yet any meaningful progress would require both sides to make compromises that have so far seemed politically difficult.
Iran wants full relief from economic sanctions and recognition of its right to nuclear energy, while the United States demands strict monitoring and limits on uranium enrichment.
For now, neither country has confirmed any official contact. Still, the mention of sanction relief marks one of the first signs of potential dialogue since the end of the nuclear agreement. Whether this develops into serious talks or remains a political gesture will depend on how far each side is willing to move from its current hardline positions.
As the region watches closely, allies and rivals alike including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Russia are assessing whether Washington and Tehran are entering a new phase of negotiation or another cycle of confrontation.