Senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner has confirmed that communications between the U.S. and Iran are "more robust" than ever, despite Iran's denials of a backchannel between President Donald Trump and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Kushner's remarks followed a series of meetings across the Middle East concerning the future of Gaza and Iran.
Kushner emphasized that Trump remains committed to reaching a deal with Iran but noted significant obstacles remain. He accused Iranian officials of attempting to "trick" the U.S. by offering false concessions and withholding key information. The exact nature of the U.S. communication with the IRGC, described as the most radical faction within Iran's government, remains unclear. The IRGC has a history of actions, including attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, that have previously hindered negotiations.
Previous talks have involved members of Iran's civilian government, such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and representatives of President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, reports from within Iran suggest the IRGC holds greater influence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously alluded to this dynamic, suggesting that Iranian negotiators sometimes lack the authority to make concessions, requiring lengthy consultations with the country's supreme leader.
Kushner indicated that Trump is open to an economic agreement that would allow Iran to prosper, provided the nation abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons. "They have to want to be a real country," Kushner stated. "They can be one of the wealthiest countries in the world if they choose to pursue it. They have incredible people, incredible history, so they have so much potential."
Kushner urged Iran to prioritize its national potential over what he described as efforts to "spread revolution and causing instability throughout the region and the world."
Despite these communications, a deal appears distant as a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran expired on Monday. Tensions persist, with Iran continuing to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and its officials reportedly issuing threats against Trump's life.
Kushner acknowledged the difficulty of such negotiations, stating, "Deals are hard. I mean, it's funny, President Trump is always aiming for the impossible deals."
Expanding the Abraham Accords remains a focus for the administration as a potential avenue for lasting regional change. Kushner reported active discussions with various countries regarding this initiative. He suggested that progress on the Gaza situation could help de-escalate regional tensions, but further concrete talks might be postponed until after upcoming Israeli elections. 
