WANA (Feb 27) – U.S. President Donald Trump said he has not yet made a final decision on how to proceed regarding Iran, but reiterated that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear weapon” and stressed Washington’s firm opposition to such an outcome.

 

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Texas, Trump said he was dissatisfied with Iran’s conduct, yet indicated that further talks between the two sides are expected. He emphasized that he prefers resolving differences through negotiation and that his goal remains reaching a deal with Iran.

 

The U.S. president also claimed that Iran has not explicitly stated that it “will not have a nuclear weapon,” a phrase he described as a “golden statement.” Asked about the potential use of military force and whether it could lead to regime change, Trump responded, “Nobody knows. It could happen, and it might not happen.” While underscoring U.S. military strength, he said he does not want to take military action, “but sometimes you have to.”

 

His remarks come as the third round of talks between Tehran and Washington was held on February 26, 2026, in Geneva, following mediation efforts by Oman. The negotiations resumed after an eight-month pause that followed a joint attack by Tel Aviv and Washington on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described the latest round as the “most serious and longest” so far and reported “good progress” in discussions on the elements of a potential agreement covering nuclear issues and sanctions relief. According to Araghchi, differences remain, but the two sides have narrowed gaps on several key points and shown greater seriousness in pursuing a negotiated solution.

 

On the U.S. side, the delegation includes Jared Kushner and Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is also among those present at the talks.

 

Two previous rounds were held on February 6 in Muscat and February 17 in Geneva, focusing on outlining a general framework for a possible agreement and addressing nuclear and sanctions-related issues in parallel.

 

Trump’s latest comments, alongside signs of continued diplomatic engagement, suggest that the door to negotiations remains open—although the process continues under the shadow of mutual distrust and implicit threats.