Key Points
- Trump says only a select few are aware of the true status of Iran peace talks
- US president claims Iran is strongly seeking a diplomatic agreement
- Washington signals acceptance of Iran’s participation in World Cup matches on US soil
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has no objection to Iran taking part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, even as he offered guarded remarks on the state of ongoing peace discussions involving Tehran.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran may be advancing behind the scenes, despite the absence of visible progress in the public domain. He stressed that only a limited circle is privy to the actual status of the talks.
“Nobody knows what the talks are except myself and a couple of other people,” he said, suggesting a high level of confidentiality surrounding the diplomatic efforts.
According to Reuters, Trump further claimed that Iran is eager to reach an agreement, remarking that the country “wants to make a deal badly”.
However, he also pointed to uncertainties regarding Iran’s leadership, stating that the situation remains complicated due to shifting power dynamics.
In addition to his comments on diplomacy, Trump addressed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be hosted across North America in June and July.
His remarks followed confirmation by Gianni Infantino that Iran would compete in the tournament and play matches on US soil.
Responding to Infantino’s statement, Trump said he had no issue with Iran’s inclusion. “If Gianni said it, I’m OK,” he told reporters, signalling acceptance of the decision.
The comments reflect a nuanced stance from the US president, combining cautious optimism about diplomatic engagement with a willingness to separate sporting participation from political tensions.
