Trump Says US Is Not Negotiating with Iran, Signals Developments ‘Fairly Soon’

WASHINGTON, October 22, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said Washington is not negotiating with Iran and indicated that developments could come soon, as uncertainty persists over the conflict and the prospects for renewed military action.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after returning from a rally in South Carolina, Trump said “something one way or the other” would happen “fairly soon,” while suggesting that developments could follow the US midterm elections.

Earlier at the rally, Trump said the United States could end its military involvement immediately but wanted to secure a lasting outcome before doing so.

He also claimed that Iran had been defeated militarily and financially and reiterated his position that Tehran would never obtain a nuclear weapon.

The remarks followed a New York Times report that US and Israeli military officials had prepared plans for possible renewed strikes against Iran after the midterm elections. The newspaper cited US officials and others familiar with the discussions.

However, the report said Trump’s approval remained far from certain, noting that he had repeatedly rejected proposals to resume major combat operations this year.

A White House official declined to discuss the reported preparations, telling the newspaper that the administration does not comment on potential military plans.

The United States and Israel launched the war against Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments.

A memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran in June, following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, has since stalled over unresolved disagreements, including navigation through the strait.

Trump’s latest comments leave the direction of US policy uncertain, with the diplomatic arrangement stalled and any renewed military action still dependent on his approval.