Trump confirms Iran contact, warns conflict ends 'one way or the other'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
US President Donald Trump confirmed on 29 September that members of his team had spoken to Iran that day, but offered no details on the nature of the contact and gave no indication of progress toward ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking at the White House during an event focused on a proposed steel investment in Iowa, Trump said he expected the confrontation to conclude quickly — 'one way or the other.'
What Trump Said
When asked by reporters whether his team had been in contact with Iran, Trump replied simply, 'Yeah, they have.' A follow-up question referencing mediators drew an equally terse 'Yeah.' He did not identify the individuals involved, clarify the channel through which contact was made, or describe what was discussed.
Pressed on whether any movement had occurred in the talks, Trump was unequivocal: 'No, we're going to win. As far as I'm concerned, it's going to be one way or the other. It's going to be — it's going to go pretty quickly.' His remarks confirmed contact had taken place on that Monday, but did not establish that US and Iranian officials had met directly or reached any new understanding.
Fuel Prices and the War's End
Separately, a reporter asked whether truck drivers and consumers should brace for elevated fuel prices in the coming weeks. Trump declined to offer a specific price forecast, instead linking any decline in fuel costs to the resolution of the conflict. 'Gas is going to go way down,' he said. He also predicted that inflation would dissipate once the war ended, though he supplied no estimate of the price change or a timeline for hostilities to cease.
Iran's Nuclear Programme
Trump also made a firm declaration regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions. 'Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,' he said, without elaborating on the diplomatic or military measures underpinning that assertion. The statement echoes longstanding US policy but comes at a particularly charged moment given the active conflict.
Alleged Iranian Link to UK Arrests
Asked about five suspects whom a reporter said had been arrested in Britain and subsequently released on bail, Trump acknowledged that an Iranian connection 'might be' possible. When pressed to elaborate, he declined. 'I'd rather not,' he said. The remark left open the question of whether the US has intelligence linking the suspects to Tehran, and no further clarification was provided at the event.
Trump offered no timetable or terms for a potential agreement, and the White House did not issue a follow-up statement clarifying the nature or outcome of the reported Iran contact. All eyes will now turn to whether a formal diplomatic channel emerges in the days ahead.