As the Israel–Iran war escalates, President Donald Trump is attempting a dramatic pivot — proposing direct peace talks with Iran in a bid to halt the violence and revive a nuclear deal.
According to Axios and multiple sources briefed on the plan, the White House is exploring a high-stakes meeting this week between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The meeting, still unconfirmed, could decide whether the US joins the conflict or pulls it back from the brink.
“A meeting with the Iranians this week is under consideration,” a US official confirmed.
Bunker busters: Trump’s ace card
Trump believes Iran’s underground enrichment site at Fordow is the final frontier — and the US, not Israel, holds the bomb to break it.
“He thinks in terms of deals and leverage. And this is leverage,” a senior official said, referring to the US military’s massive bunker-busting bombs.
So far, Trump has refused to greenlight direct US strikes against Iran, despite pressure from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who is urging Washington to help destroy the nuclear site.
But the Trump team believes Iran is now vulnerable — and that military superiority gives them room to negotiate.
“They want to talk. The question is: have they hit rock bottom? And if so, what enrichment level can we tolerate?”
From G7 to Tehran — a dramatic shift
Trump’s sudden push for talks follows a chaotic 48 hours:
- On Monday night, he posted on Truth Social urging civilians in Tehran to evacuate, signaling possible escalation.
- He then cut his G7 trip short, skipping key meetings to return to Washington.
- Explosions rocked Tehran overnight, and panic gripped the capital.
That led to widespread speculation that the US had joined Israel’s offensive — claims the White House has flatly denied.
“American forces are maintaining their defensive posture,” said spokesman Alex Pfeiffer.
“President Trump hopes there will be peace,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added.
Macron: A deal is on the table
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the US floated a diplomatic offer during G7 talks.
“There is an offer to meet and exchange — especially to get a ceasefire and restart broader talks,” Macron told reporters.
While Iran has yet to formally respond, the Trump administration is hopeful the threat of destruction — paired with an off-ramp — will push Tehran to accept terms.
“I think a deal will be signed,” Trump said. “Iran is foolish not to.”
Trump may be preparing for peace — or preparing for war. His leverage? America has the bombs Israel doesn’t. But if talks fail, that leverage may soon turn kinetic.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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