Trump Calls for Iran Talks, Negotiating with Speaker

Former president says direct negotiations are needed to resolve tensions.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:25pm

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A cinematic, shadowy painting of a solitary figure in a dimly lit government building hallway, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window, conceptually representing the potential for diplomatic progress amid lingering tensions.A former president's call for direct diplomacy with Iran could signal a shift in US foreign policy, though significant challenges remain.Washington Today

Former President Donald Trump called for direct negotiations with Iran, saying that talks are needed to resolve ongoing tensions between the two countries. Trump stated that he is willing to negotiate with Iran's speaker, a significant shift from his previous hardline stance against the country.

Why it matters

Trump's comments represent a notable change in his approach to Iran, which was marked by increased sanctions and military posturing during his presidency. His willingness to engage in direct talks could signal a potential path forward for diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran, which have been at odds for decades.

The details

In his remarks, Trump said that he believes negotiating directly with Iran's speaker is the best way to make progress on key issues like the country's nuclear program and regional influence. He did not provide specifics on who exactly he would be willing to meet with or what the agenda for such talks would entail.

  • Trump made the comments on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who served from 2017 to 2021.

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What they’re saying

“We must negotiate directly with Iran's speaker to resolve the tensions between our countries. I am willing to sit down and talk with them.”

— Donald Trump, Former President of the United States

What’s next

It remains to be seen if the Biden administration will take up Trump's call for direct negotiations with Iran. The White House has not yet responded to Trump's comments.

The takeaway

Trump's shift towards diplomacy with Iran represents a potential opening for progress on a longstanding foreign policy challenge, though significant obstacles and skepticism remain on both sides.