Trump Announces Nuclear Talks with Iran Next Week

Trump Announces Nuclear Talks with Iran Next Week
People gesture as they attend a gathering to support Iran’s Armed Forces, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 24, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

THE HAGUE/ISTANBUL, June 25 – President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that the United States will initiate nuclear negotiations with Iran next week, marking a potentially significant shift in the wake of recent intense military conflict between the two nations.

Addressing reporters during a NATO summit in The Hague, Trump stated that the goal of the discussions would be to seek a long-term commitment from Iran to abandon any nuclear ambitions. The announcement comes just days after a large-scale U.S. airstrike that reportedly dealt a severe blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump described the results of the operation as “a victory for everybody.”

“It was very severe. It was obliteration,” Trump said, referring to the bunker-buster strikes ordered on Sunday. Although initial evaluations indicated Iran’s nuclear efforts might have only been temporarily hindered, Trump maintained that the operation delivered a more significant and enduring blow to Tehran’s goals. He added that the use of overwhelming force had contributed to bringing a swift end to the 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel.

As life cautiously begins to return to normal in both countries, many Iranians and Israelis remain on edge. The recent war was one of the most severe between the two regional powers, leaving behind widespread destruction and heavy casualties. A ceasefire took effect Tuesday, providing some relief but little certainty about what lies ahead.

Iran’s Setback and Hopes for Dialogue

While Trump gave few specifics about next week’s planned talks—offering no information on location, agenda, or who will participate—he appeared confident that Iran would opt for diplomacy rather than conflict.

Trump stated that discussions with Iran were planned for the following week and mentioned the possibility of reaching an agreement, though he didn’t see it as essential. “Honestly, I don’t think they’re interested in enriching anything at this point,” he said. “Right now, their focus is on recovery.”

The comment referred to accusations long leveled by the West that Iran has enriched uranium to near-weapons-grade levels. Tehran has always denied seeking nuclear weapons, claiming its program is for peaceful purposes. However, the recent airstrikes reportedly targeted key enrichment facilities and development hubs.

Later that day, the head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, John Ratcliffe, stated that the operation had caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program. Though he stopped short of calling the program fully destroyed, he noted there was “credible evidence” that several critical sites had been demolished and would take years to rebuild.

Israeli defense officials offered their own analysis, stating the strikes had set back Iran’s ability to build nuclear weapons by many years. While Trump acknowledged Israel’s assessment, he said he was relying primarily on U.S. intelligence.

Though the strikes were intense, Trump voiced optimism that Iran might choose a path of diplomacy to prevent additional conflict. “If they attempt to restore what was lost, we will stop them—militarily, we will not allow it,” he said. “However, I believe there’s a chance we could establish some form of relationship with Iran.”

At the same time, Rafael Grossi, who leads the U.N.’s nuclear oversight body, stressed the need to resume international inspections. He noted that Iran still retains both the technical expertise and industrial capabilities. “What matters now is reestablishing access for our inspectors to evaluate conditions firsthand,” Grossi said, adding that long-term cooperation is essential to move forward.

Casualties, Political Fallout, and Public Fatigue

The war that erupted on June 13 saw unprecedented levels of military engagement. Israel’s surprise bombing campaign reportedly eliminated top Iranian military officials and scientists associated with the nuclear effort. In response, Iran launched missile attacks that overwhelmed Israeli defenses in numbers not previously seen.

Iranian authorities reported at least 627 deaths and nearly 5,000 injuries, though independent verification remains difficult due to strict controls on media access. Israel reported 28 fatalities.

While both nations claimed victory—Iran for demonstrating its missile reach and Israel for crippling Iran’s nuclear capacity—the war left both populations exhausted. In Iran, the strikes came at a critical time, with the country’s clerical leadership gearing up for a significant transition in power. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, now 86, has held power since 1989, and succession planning is underway.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, elected last year as a moderate alternative to hardliners, hinted at internal change. “This war and the unity it generated between people and officials is an opportunity to shift how our country is managed. We must listen to the people and promote reform,” he said in a nationally broadcast statement.

Still, Iran’s government moved quickly to reassert control. The judiciary announced the execution of three men convicted of espionage and collaboration with Israel’s Mossad. State media reported that more than 700 individuals had been arrested during the war for alleged ties to Israeli intelligence.

At the peak of the confrontation, both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that a change in Iran’s leadership might be on the horizon. But after the ceasefire was established, Trump distanced himself from those earlier remarks.

“We’re not looking for regime change,” he said. “We want stability. Iran descending into chaos isn’t good for anyone.”

A Shaky Peace and Cautious Optimism

In both Tel Aviv and Tehran, citizens welcomed the halt to the fighting, but uncertainty continues to cloud the future. In Iran, residents cautiously returned to their homes after fleeing bombings, unsure of whether the peace would hold.

“We came back after the ceasefire was announced. People are relieved, but nobody knows what will happen next,” said Farah, 67, a Tehran resident who had evacuated to the nearby Lavasan area.

In Israel, families felt both relieved and emotionally drained as their children went back to school and everyday routines began to return. “Those two weeks were devastating,” said Rony Hoter-Ishay Meyer, a 38-year-old resident of Tel Aviv. “We’re grateful it’s over, but we’re drained. Now we just want peace to last.”

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