Trump Says Iran Agreed to Forgo Nuclear Weapons But Left Door Open for Reversal

President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that Iran has agreed to abandon its pursuit of Iran nuclear weapons, though he cautioned that Tehran retained the option to walk back that commitment. CNBC reported that the president made the remarks in a wide-ranging conversation on the New York Post’s “Pod Force One” podcast.

Trump’s Nuclear Claims and Their Limits

Trump stated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon had been a central demand in negotiations. He said the regime had already accepted that condition, calling it “the big thing.” At the same time, he openly acknowledged that Iran could still change course at any moment. Iran’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the claims.

The mixed messaging adds another layer of uncertainty to a diplomatic process that has consistently produced contradictory signals from both sides.

Also Read: What a Hormuz Closure Means for Global Oil Supply

A Conflict Nearing 100 Days With No Resolution

The US-Iran conflict is approaching its 100th day and remains largely deadlocked. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that negotiations between Washington and Tehran were continuing. However, Iranian state media reported that Iran’s leadership had suspended direct communications with American officials several days prior.

This kind of contradictory briefing has become a recurring pattern throughout the conflict. Neither side has been able to translate an early ceasefire into a durable peace arrangement.

Strait of Hormuz Keeps Oil Markets on Edge

Markets have reflected the prolonged uncertainty. Oil prices have remained elevated throughout the conflict, though they are still trading below the $100-per-barrel threshold. The primary pressure point is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor that has effectively been closed since hostilities escalated.

Iran’s state-affiliated media said Monday that Tehran would move to fully seal the waterway, citing alleged ceasefire violations by the other side. When asked whether the blockade might still be in force by Labor Day, Trump said he considered that outcome unlikely. He expressed confidence that the situation would resolve itself relatively quickly.

US equity futures were mixed in the immediate aftermath of the interview’s publication, while crude prices continued to edge higher.

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