US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to resume talks with Washington, claiming Tehran is struggling to pay its security forces as the conflict between the two countries continues.
“They want to talk. They keep talking,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.
He claimed Iran was facing financial difficulties, saying the country was not paying its soldiers or police officers.
“They’re, you know, they’re in a lot of trouble,” Trump said.
Describing the conflict as “not a typical war”, Trump said the United States was spending “very little money, relatively speaking” on its campaign.
He defended the cost of the military operation, arguing that the spending was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump also claimed that US actions in Venezuela had more than offset the financial cost of the campaign against Iran.
Qatar mediates efforts to revive US-Iran talks
Trump’s remarks came as Qatari mediators held discussions in Tehran for more than 12 hours on Friday in an effort to secure an agreement to restart direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to diplomatic sources.
The discussions were expected to continue in Doha on Saturday.
A diplomatic source said Qatar remained in regular contact with the White House during the talks, describing progress as positive while stressing that discussions were ongoing.
The mediators are seeking agreement on reciprocal steps that could bring both sides back to direct negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and other issues.
However, differences remain over the conditions for resuming talks.
A US official said the Trump administration wants Iran to make nuclear concessions before negotiations restart. Tehran, meanwhile, has called for Washington to lift its naval blockade, release frozen Iranian funds and allow the country to resume oil sales.
Qatar is also seeking to persuade Iran to permit UN inspectors to visit nuclear sites damaged in earlier strikes, potentially in exchange for some sanctions relief, according to the report.
Differences within Trump’s administration
US officials have also described differing views within the Trump administration over whether to prioritise diplomacy or further military action.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are reportedly sceptical that a nuclear agreement can be reached with Iran’s current leadership. Vice President JD Vance and Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are described as favouring a return to negotiations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also among those urging the administration to allow its economic pressure campaign, known as “Operation Economic Outcast”, to continue rather than rush into renewed military action, according to the report.
Trump has expressed doubt that Iran will accept a deal meeting his conditions, while saying Washington has time to pursue its objectives.
