Axios reported on Monday, citing four knowledgeable sources, that the United States is in discussions with Iran about the possibility of a meeting this week between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to explore the nuclear agreement and potential resolutions to the conflict between Israel and Iran.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News on Monday that President Donald Trump remains committed to achieving a nuclear deal with Iran, despite the escalating conflict with Israel, a close U.S. ally. A White House aide also stated separately that Washington is not launching attacks on Iran.
When asked if Trump is still pursuing a nuclear agreement with Iran, Hegseth affirmed, “Absolutely.”
He added, “We are taking a defensive stance in the region to strengthen our efforts for a peace deal. We certainly hope that this can happen soon.”
In a social media post on Monday, Trump urged, “Everyone must evacuate Tehran immediately,” referencing what he described as Tehran’s refusal to agree to terms aimed at curtailing nuclear weapons development.