President Donald Trump said May 30 that negotiations with Iran are moving forward "slowly" and that he is willing to give diplomacy time to work, before warning that the U.S. could resume military action if Tehran fails to meet demands.
Speaking in an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, Trump said he was "in no hurry" to finalize an agreement, describing Iranian officials as "very tough negotiators."
"We're getting what we want slowly," Trump said, adding that reaching a strong agreement takes time.
Trump said negotiators have made progress on U.S. demands that Iran not develop a nuclear weapon. He also indicated that Washington is seeking stronger language to ensure Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon through other means.
The president said a negotiated settlement would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen immediately, which he argued would reduce energy prices and help avoid further conflict in the region.
Trump also suggested the U.S. has exercised restraint in its military campaign against Iran, saying parts of the country's armed forces have not been targeted as aggressively because they are "somewhat moderate" compared with other elements of the regime.
"We’ve actually left their military alone — people would be surprised to hear that."
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 31, 2026
President Trump says Iran's military hasn't been hit as aggressively because it's "somewhat moderate" compared to other elements of the regime.
He argues that wiping out "everybody" could cause… pic.twitter.com/gG84lDSrlD
However, Trump made clear that military action remains an option if talks collapse.
"If we don't get what we want, we're going to end it a different way," he said.
"We're close to a very good deal," says @POTUS on Iran.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 31, 2026
"If you're going to be in a hurry, you're not going to make a good deal, and slowly but surely, we're getting, I think, what we want — and if we don't get what we want, we're going to end it a different way." pic.twitter.com/im25AAsxll
The comments came as the administration continued to review a proposed framework for extending a ceasefire and advancing broader talks on Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump's message during remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30. Hegseth said the U.S. military remains prepared to resume operations if negotiations fail.
"Our ability to recommence if necessary ... we are more than capable," Hegseth said, adding that U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient for potential future operations.
Trump has not announced a final decision on the proposed agreement. As of May 31, U.S. and Iranian officials were continuing to review the latest proposals, while administration officials publicly emphasized both a willingness to negotiate and the availability of military options if diplomacy does not succeed.