Trump claims breakthrough in Iran war as Tehran agrees to limit nuclear programme

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has agreed to limit its nuclear ambitions amid ongoing peace negotiations with the United States, signaling what he described as a breakthrough in the conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Trump said Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons “among other things” as diplomatic discussions continued behind the scenes. The remarks came amid reports suggesting both sides were moving closer to a framework agreement following weeks of indirect talks.

Trump says Iran agreed to limit nuclear programme

President Donald Trump made the remarks while speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday, May 6, during a ceremony promoting a UFC event at the White House. He said Iran could not possess nuclear weapons and claimed Tehran had accepted that condition.

"Look, and this is very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon because, as tough as they are, we want to keep them alive,” Trump said.

“We want to keep all of you alive,” he continued. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and they won't. And they've agreed to that, among other things.”

Trump framed the development as a major step toward ending hostilities in the Middle East, where tensions have remained high over Iran’s nuclear programme and security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway previously handled nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments before the conflict escalated, making any agreement critical for global energy markets.

Trump warns Iran of military escalation if talks fail

The White House is awaiting Iran’s response to a one-page memorandum of understanding sent to Tehran as part of efforts to formally end the conflict and move toward broader nuclear negotiations, according to Axios.

President Donald Trump also warned Iran of intensified military action if negotiations failed to result in an agreement. In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump suggested Washington was prepared to escalate operations if Tehran rejected the terms under discussion.

Trump’s warning came as diplomatic efforts continued alongside a partial halt in military operations intended to create room for negotiations. Iran is currently reviewing the US-backed proposal while mediators work toward securing a formal agreement.

Sources cited by Reuters said both sides were nearing consensus on a preliminary memorandum that could restart discussions around shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, ease US sanctions on Iran, and impose limits on Tehran’s nuclear programme.