Washington, March 25 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump announced that Iran had made a significant gesture related to oil and gas in connection with the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that the United States was now engaging with parties capable of reaching an agreement.

During a ceremony in the Oval Office for the swearing-in of Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary, Trump stated, “We are currently in negotiations,” emphasizing that “the other side, I can assure you, is eager to strike a deal.”

He noted that this development came after a leadership change in Iran. “We have essentially witnessed a regime transition,” Trump remarked, adding that “the current leaders are markedly different from those we initially engaged with.”

Trump highlighted that the US was communicating with a new set of Iranian officials and referred to what he called a “gift” from Tehran as a sign of progress. “They sent us a present, and it arrived today,” he mentioned, describing it as a substantial gift valued at a considerable amount.

He later specified that the gesture was “related to oil and gas” and involved maritime transportation. Upon being questioned about its connection to the Strait of Hormuz, Trump affirmed, “Yes, it pertained to the flow and the Strait.”

The president asserted that this action demonstrated that Washington was now working with “the appropriate individuals.” “They claimed they would take action, and they did—only they could have achieved this,” he explained.

Trump reiterated that any potential agreement would depend on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “They cannot possess a nuclear weapon,” he stressed, adding, “they will not acquire nuclear capabilities.” He also stated, “They have assured us they will never develop nuclear weapons.”

Simultaneously, he noted that the US had refrained from further military actions while discussions were ongoing. Referring to a planned strike on a major Iranian power facility, Trump said, “We postponed action due to ongoing negotiations.”

He consistently pointed out that Iran was negotiating from a position of weakness. “They lack a Navy, and their Air Force is nearly non-existent,” he remarked, adding that much of their military strength had been dismantled.

Trump claimed that US forces had established supremacy over Iranian airspace. “We have free access above Tehran,” he stated, adding that US forces “can operate as we see fit.”

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth supported this view, asserting, “Never in history has a modern military been so quickly and thoroughly defeated.”

Trump mentioned that the administration was adopting a dual strategy of military pressure combined with diplomacy. “We are in one of the best positions to negotiate,” he stated, while emphasizing that the goal was to conclude the conflict without additional loss of life.

“I would like to achieve that,” he said, referring to the desire to avoid further strikes. “If we can resolve this without additional casualties… I would prefer that.”

He also indicated that Iran's outreach was influenced by its precarious situation. “Who wouldn’t seek a deal if they were in their position?” he queried when asked why Tehran would pursue negotiations.

Despite the ongoing discussions, Trump expressed his distrust towards the Iranian side. “I don’t trust anyone,” he declared, “I don’t place my trust in them.”

Nevertheless, he conveyed optimism that the negotiations would yield positive outcomes. “They are going to reach an agreement,” he affirmed.

The president characterized the current scenario as a potential watershed moment in the conflict, stating, “I believe we are on the path to resolution,” while adding, “I cannot guarantee it.”

He also reiterated that the US would continue to exert pressure until its fundamental objectives were achieved. “It begins with the elimination of nuclear weapons,” Trump insisted. “There will be no nuclear weapons.”