Trump Expresses Confidence in Reaching Iran Deal

President says he believes he can trust Iranians to fulfill commitments in upcoming negotiations.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:57am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary government building or political figure in warm, muted tones, conveying a sense of cautious optimism about the future of U.S.-Iran relations.As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to simmer, the president's optimistic tone about reaching a new deal reflects a potential shift in foreign policy.Washington Today

In a phone interview with ABC News, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with Iran, stating that he believes he can trust the Iranians to fulfill their commitments. Trump said the U.S. will work with Iran to remove their enriched uranium, and that talks will take place in Islamabad. The president also mentioned involving the president of Syria in the final deal and dealing with Hezbollah.

Why it matters

Trump's comments signal a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, as the administration seeks to de-escalate tensions and negotiate a new agreement. This could have significant implications for regional stability and global security.

The details

Trump told ABC News that the Strait of Hormuz is 'completely open' and that a deal can soon be secured with Iran. He said the U.S. will work with Iran to remove their enriched uranium, which he referred to as 'nuclear dust,' and that it will be brought to the U.S. Trump also stated that the Iranians will not receive any money for the exchange, contradicting reports of a $20 billion payment. The president said his negotiating team will include Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and potentially J.D. Vance, and that the talks will take place in Islamabad.

  • Trump said a second round of talks could happen as soon as this weekend, though no formal announcement has been made.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who expressed confidence in reaching a deal with Iran.

Steve Witkoff

A member of Trump's negotiating team for the potential Iran deal.

Jared Kushner

A member of Trump's negotiating team for the potential Iran deal.

J.D. Vance

A potential member of Trump's negotiating team for the potential Iran deal.

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What they’re saying

“I think they've had it. I think they've had enough. That can happen to anybody. Even people like you and I can say, 'I've had enough.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“They want to make a deal. They want to make some money, you know. … They're not making any money as long as I have the blockade.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's comments suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran, as the administration seeks to de-escalate tensions and negotiate a new agreement. This could have significant implications for regional stability and global security, but it remains to be seen if the Iranians will be willing to trust the U.S. and fulfill their commitments in any potential deal.