President Donald Trump is willing to pursue peace talks with Iran but insists that any potential negotiations must begin with a cease-fire initiated by Tehran, according to a U.S. official. The administration views Iran's internal politics, particularly the stance of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as a significant hurdle.
"The ball is in Tehran’s court," the official told The Post. "That’s the basis for any type of negotiation; it starts with a cease-fire, and it has to start with Iran."
While civilian leaders like President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have shown a willingness to engage diplomatically, the IRGC has reportedly continued to pursue military actions and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz. "It’s incumbent on the Iranian leadership to get their house in order," the official added.
Trump has indicated a willingness to allow time for diplomatic channels to yield results, but he has also stated that decisive military action will be taken in response to any attacks by Iran. This approach, described by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as "a head for an eye," was demonstrated following a recent Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. The U.S. launched a wave of strikes in retaliation.
"The president has been very clear that he wants a deal done sooner rather than later. But if the Iranians are going to keep attacking ships, attacking US bases, attacking Gulf allies, then there will be a price to pay for that," the official stated.
Talks are ongoing through technical teams and international mediators, aiming for an agreement that retains key elements of previous understandings. A central demand from the Trump administration is that the Strait of Hormuz remains a toll-free waterway, a position opposed by Iran and Oman, which have sought to charge fees for passage.
However, the IRGC has shown no indication of de-escalation. The group has publicly stated it "will punish the aggressor today" and warned that countries assisting the U.S. would also "receive a harsh response," according to Iranian state media. The IRGC's attack on Jordan occurred while the U.S. was reportedly holding back its own strikes in an effort to facilitate peace talks.
U.S. defense missiles intercepted Iranian attacks targeting U.S. forces, but U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) responded with strikes on Iranian military command centers, missile and drone facilities, and defense sites. These actions were intended to degrade threats posed by Iran and its proxies to U.S. forces, commercial shipping, and regional allies.
Following the strikes, Trump stated his intention to retaliate forcefully, vowing to "beat the f–king s–t out of" Iran and that "they’re going to get a beating." Despite these statements, he also indicated that negotiations would continue, stating, "we’re going to let them keep talking."