Trump Claims US-Iran Talks Progressing Well, Rules Out Sanctions Relief for Now

US President Trump stated at a cabinet meeting on the 27th that negotiations with Iran are 'progressing very well' and that 'they are starting to provide us with the things they have to hand over.' However, he is not considering lifting sanctions at this time and has not ruled out the possibility of military action. Trump said that if Iran complies, that is fine, but if they do not, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth 'will go and solve them completely.' Regarding whether he would be comfortable with Russia or China taking Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, Trump said, 'No, I would not be comfortable.' When asked by the media if the US is considering easing sanctions to allow Iran to sell crude oil to the market, Trump replied that there is no talk of easing any sanctions or providing funds. 'We are controlling the funds they claim are theirs... We will give them the money when they behave properly and do the right thing, but we are not doing that right now.' At the same time, Trump emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to everyone. 'It is international water, no one can control it,' he said, adding that the US will monitor the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated at the cabinet meeting that President Trump's priority is to resolve the issue through negotiations and see if a deal can be reached. Rubio believes some progress has been made, stating, 'In the next few hours to a few days, we will see if there is any progress.' Rubio also reiterated the US bottom line: Iran must never possess nuclear weapons. Since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping lane. With Pakistan mediating, a fragile temporary ceasefire was reached on April 8. Before the war, one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas was transported through the Strait of Hormuz.