Trump Rules Out Iran Talks as US Escalates Economic Pressure
Trump says US won't talk to Iran, focusing on economic punishment and threatening sanctions on partners.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States is not engaged in any diplomatic contact with Iran, as Washington intensifies its campaign of economic pressure against Tehran.
"We don't want to speak to them. We're not looking to meet or anything," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, dismissing the possibility of dialogue.
The remarks came as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt outlined the administration's strategy, describing it as "Operation Economic Outcast" aimed at dismantling Iran's economy. "No negotiations are happening right now, and this will continue until the president feels that maybe they come to the table in a meaningful way," Leavitt said on Fox News, adding that Trump "continues to retain all options on the table."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier this week warned countries to sever financial ties with Iran or face secondary sanctions, in what was billed as "Economic D-Day." However, the Treasury Department has yet to formally impose new penalties.
When asked whether Russia would face consequences for its continued dealings with Iran, Trump offered a conditional response, noting Moscow's behavior regarding the Strait of Hormuz and suggesting reciprocal actions. He was similarly evasive when questioned about potential sanctions on Chinese banks, saying, "Who said I'm not? You don't know if I'm doing it... I don't have to announce everything, do I?"
Meanwhile, Qatar's prime minister visited Tehran on Thursday in an attempt to revive diplomatic channels, following sharp exchanges between Washington and Tehran over the US pledge to increase economic pressure — a move one Iranian official described as "all-out economic war."