'We'll Have Something Without Dropping Bombs,' Trump Says on Iran Talks

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a significant development that could reshape the dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, that negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program are "progressing well," raising hopes for a decisive agreement that could avert further confrontation.

Speaking to reporters, President Trump emphasized the possibility of achieving a breakthrough without resorting to military force. "On the Iran situation, I think we are doing really well. I think the deal is gonna be made there. That's gonna happen. I am pretty sure it's gonna happen. We'll have something without having to start dropping bombs all over the place," he stated, underlining his administration's preference for diplomacy over conflict.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing tensions between Washington and Tehran. According to diplomatic sources, the two sides have so far engaged in three rounds of indirect negotiations, with Oman playing the role of mediator. The Washington Post reported that technical-level talks commenced in Muscat, Oman, marking a progression from preliminary discussions to detailed negotiations, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Both sides characterized the discussions as "positive and productive," though major disagreements remain.

The stakes are considerable. Iran's nuclear program has long been a flashpoint in regional and international politics, with Western powers accusing Tehran of seeking to develop atomic weapons, a claim Iran has consistently denied. According to The New York Times, technical expert teams have been deeply involved in the recent rounds of talks, focusing on key issues such as uranium enrichment levels, sanctions relief, and monitoring mechanisms.

Parallel to the diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. and Iran continue to clash over Tehran's right to enrich uranium domestically—a critical sticking point. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Iran could operate a civilian nuclear program only by importing enriched fuel, a stance that contradicts Iran's insistence on retaining its enrichment capabilities.

Meanwhile, broader internal dynamics within Iran also play a significant role. As highlighted by The Washington Post, a growing segment of the Iranian elite, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and senior military figures, appears to support engagement with the U.S. to alleviate the country's worsening economic crisis. Analysts suggest that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is mediating between hard-liners advocating for escalation and pragmatists seeking sanctions relief.

Observers note that Oman's mediation reflects its longstanding tradition of neutrality and discreet diplomacy, which has been instrumental in facilitating past U.S.-Iran dialogues. If successful, the current talks could not only curb Iran's nuclear ambitions but also unlock economic opportunities through sanctions relief, offering a lifeline to Iran's struggling economy and opening new avenues for regional cooperation.

Complicating the environment further, a major explosion occurred at the Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, coinciding with the nuclear talks, resulting in significant casualties. According to reports by The Wall Street Journal, investigations suggest mishandling of chemical shipments, while some speculate about the broader implications of the incident for Iran's stability.

Nevertheless, skepticism remains high. Hardliners in both Washington and Tehran continue to view any compromise with suspicion, and previous efforts at rapprochement have faltered amid changing political landscapes. As Al-Monitor reported, Iranian officials remain wary of U.S. intentions, with some viewing negotiations as a necessary but risky gamble for the nation's future.

For now, Trump's declaration injects a note of cautious optimism into an issue that has for decades fueled instability across the Middle East. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see whether diplomacy can succeed where confrontation has long prevailed—and whether a new nuclear agreement can emerge to shape a more stable regional order.