Trump says Iran response is coming 'very soon' even as new sanctions target its weapons network

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Saturday, May 9, that he expects to hear from Iran “very soon” regarding Washington’s latest peace proposal, signaling that negotiations over ending the conflict could be approaching a critical phase.

Speaking in an interview with a French television reporter, Trump said Tehran remained interested in reaching an agreement.

The comments came as the United States intensified pressure on Iran through a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of supporting the country’s military procurement and weapons programs. The sanctions were announced as Washington awaits Tehran’s formal response.

Trump says Iran still wants to conclude the deal

Trump said in a phone interview with French journalist Margot Haddad of LCI that he expects a response from Iran in the near term and suggested that discussions remain active.

The president said he “expects to hear very soon” from Iranian officials and added that they still “very much” want to conclude a lasting peace agreement.

Speaking to reporters on Friday evening before departing the White House, Trump said a written response from Tehran was expected.

“We're getting a letter (from Iran) supposedly tonight, so we'll see how that goes,” Trump said. When asked whether Iran might be delaying the process intentionally, Trump said, “I don't know. We'll find out soon enough.”

Trump also addressed continued regional tensions, including reports of Iranian-linked activity in Kurdish areas of Iraq despite the ceasefire.

The president said his administration remained focused on broader de-escalation. “We want to get the whole thing ended, and we will,” Trump said.

The White House has not publicly outlined details of the latest peace proposal, but administration officials have indicated it includes provisions aimed at ending hostilities and stabilizing regional shipping routes.

US expands sanctions as diplomatic process continues

While awaiting Iran’s response, the Treasury Department on Friday announced sanctions against 10 individuals and companies accused of helping Iran acquire weapons and materials tied to its drone and ballistic missile programs.

The sanctions, issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, target entities based across the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe.

According to the department, the companies allegedly provided financial, material or technological assistance linked to Iran’s military procurement network.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were part of the administration’s broader strategy to limit Iran’s access to military supplies.

“Under President Trump's decisive leadership, we will continue to act to Keep America Safe and target foreign individuals and companies providing Iran's military with weapons for use against US forces,” Bessent said in a statement.

The State Department separately announced sanctions against four additional entities, including several China-based firms accused of facilitating transactions tied to Iran’s defense industry. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures were intended to hold outside actors accountable for assisting Iran’s military infrastructure.