President Donald Trump said Iran has not reached a final nuclear agreement with the United States because its leaders see themselves as strong and proud, even after months of military setbacks and a fragile ceasefire.
In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” set to air Sunday, June 7, Trump pushed back when moderator Kristen Welker asked why Tehran has not closed the deal despite his repeated statements that Iran was desperate for one.
President Says Iranian Leaders Are Strong and Proud
“They’re strong, and they’re proud,” Trump told Welker. “They’ve got no choice, and it takes a little while.”
Trump’s comments come as U.S.-Iran negotiations remain stuck. The two sides have been talking on and off since early 2025, with direct and indirect meetings hosted by Pakistan, Oman, and others.
A temporary ceasefire took hold in April 2026 after U.S. and Israeli strikes hit Iranian nuclear sites, military bases, and other targets in what the administration called Operation Epic Fury.
The fighting caused significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program and killed thousands, according to reports from the region.
Trump has described the military campaign as highly successful, saying it left Iran “defeated militarily.”
Yet he has also shown patience in diplomacy, at times saying he is willing to wait for the right terms rather than rush into a weak agreement.
In Saturday’s interview teaser, he repeated that Iran wants a deal but will not accept whatever is offered because of national pride.
Disputes Over Uranium Enrichment and Sanctions Relief
Negotiators have focused on several core issues, which are limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment, the fate of its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, sanctions relief, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait is a critical shipping lane for global oil supplies. Its closure or disruption during the conflict helped drive up energy prices worldwide.
U.S. officials want strong verification measures and long-term guarantees that Iran cannot build a nuclear weapon.
Iran has rejected some American demands, especially calls to ship out enriched uranium or destroy key facilities.
Iranian officials have called U.S. positions “maximalist” and insisted on substantial sanctions relief in return for any major concessions.
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The stalled talks have frustrated some in Washington, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, who has urged Trump to consider fresh military action if progress does not come soon.
Graham said the status quo hurts American interests and keeps oil prices high. Other voices in the administration and Congress argue that time is on the U.S. side because of the damage already done to Iran’s capabilities.
Trump has sent mixed signals throughout the process. At times, he has said a deal is close. In other moments, he has warned that the “clock is ticking” and that bad things could happen if Iran drags its feet.
The conflict began escalating after years of tension over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal during his first term.
When he returned to office, his administration applied maximum pressure through sanctions and military posture while leaving the door open for talks.
Iran enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels and backed proxy group attacks on Israel and U.S. interests.
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Back in late February this year, the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes that crippled parts of Iran’s air defenses, navy, and nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with missile barrages, but American and Israeli defenses limited the damage. A ceasefire followed, but it remains shaky with occasional flare-ups reported in the region.
Trump declined to spell out exactly what “good enough” terms would look like. He has said before that any deal must prevent Iran from ever getting a nuclear bomb and must include real oversight.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Iran will not allow outsiders to interfere in its internal affairs and will not accept humiliation.
Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, a claim the U.S. and Israel strongly dispute.
