Trump says Iran 'wants to settle' in Memphis remarks as talks unfold

MEMPHIS, TN: President Donald Trump said on Monday, March 23, that Iran “wants to settle,” pointing to what he described as a “very good chance of a deal” as the three-week conflict continues.

Speaking at an event in Memphis, Trump said the United States and Iran are discussing a 15-point framework aimed at ending hostilities, with nuclear restrictions forming a central part of the proposal.

“We’ve eliminated everything there is to eliminate in Iran, including leaders,” Trump said, adding that Tehran has “one more opportunity” to resolve the conflict.

He also said discussions began “two nights ago,” signaling a shift from earlier messaging focused on continued military escalation.

Secret talks with top regime person

Trump said US officials are in contact with a “top person” within the Iranian system, though he did not identify the individual. He added that the discussions do not involve Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

The president’s remarks mark a change from previous statements in which he said there was “nobody to talk to” in Tehran. While describing the talks as “really good discussions,” Trump also indicated that a final agreement has not yet been reached.

“We have to get it done,” he said, noting there are “major points of agreement” but leaving the outcome uncertain.

Mystery surrounds the status of Mojtaba Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership following the death of his father, has not appeared publicly since taking office.

His absence from the reported discussions has raised questions about the structure of Iran’s current leadership and who is authorized to negotiate.

Trump had previously criticized Khamenei’s leadership, and the administration’s decision to engage with other figures suggests that contacts might be occurring through alternative channels within the Iranian government.

US pauses military action for five days to allow talks

Trump confirmed that planned US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure have been delayed for five days to allow space for negotiations.

He said the pause is tied to progress in ongoing discussions and could be reversed depending on their outcome.

Despite the president’s claims, Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations are taking place.

Statements from Tehran indicate no direct or indirect talks with the United States, highlighting a gap between the two sides’ public positions.

Trump outlines 15-point framework on Iran nuclear issue

According to Trump, the proposed 15-point framework prioritizes Iran’s nuclear program, with the first three provisions focused on preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He said Iran has indicated willingness on that front, though no formal agreement has been announced. Trump also stated that US forces remain prepared to resume strikes if negotiations fail.

As the five-day window unfolds, the status of the reported talks and whether they translate into a formal agreement remains a key question in the next phase of the conflict.