Trump says the US not talking with Iran as economic war in focus

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is not engaging in dialogue with Iran, as the country focuses on imposing economic sanctions on Tehran, threatening to penalize nations that continue trading with the Islamic Republic. In the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, "We don't want to speak to them. We're not looking to meet or anything."

Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the U.S. economic campaign against Iran would persist until Tehran is prepared to negotiate meaningfully. Leavitt stated, "Now we have Operation Economic Outcast to destroy their economy." The White House maintains that no negotiations are taking place currently, and this stance will continue until the president believes Iran might engage in constructive discussions.

President Trump retains all options on the table. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had warned countries on Monday to sever financial ties with Iran or face secondary sanctions as part of what was dubbed "Economic D-Day," but the Treasury Department refrained from immediately implementing penalties.