Trump says the U.S. is not talking with Iran as economic war in focus

President Donald Trump said the United States is not talking with Iran as Washington focuses on punishing Tehran economically, while still keeping “all options on the table.” Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said, “We don’t want to speak to them” and that no negotiations were underway. Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. campaign would continue until Iran agrees to negotiate meaningfully, referring to an “Operation Economic Outcast.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries to cut financial ties with Iran or face secondary sanctions, though no penalties were imposed at the time. Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran to relaunch diplomacy amid the escalating rhetoric.