Trump tells The Correspondent that U.S.-Iran talks at a crossroads — as Qatar wins White House backing

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday told me that U.S.-Iran negotiations are approaching a decisive moment — and defended Qatar’s role as a mediator despite recent criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Everything’s moving in one of two directions, and we’ll make a decision on the direction fairly soon,” Trump told The Correspondent Thursday morning when asked about the latest developments in talks with Tehran.

Trump did not elaborate on the two possible paths, leaving open whether Washington and Tehran are moving toward an agreement or another breakdown in diplomacy.

Reports of a potential deal have brought the negotiations back into focus after weeks of uncertainty over whether the two sides could find common ground.

Asked about the efforts by mediators to bridge the divide, Trump offered a brief assessment: “Everybody’s helping.”

Qatar has emerged as one of the key intermediaries in the effort, but its role has also become a point of tension.

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last week, Netanyahu accused Qatar of acting against American interests, including through educational programs in the United States that he argued could influence young Americans against the West.

Trump rejected that characterization.

“Qatar’s been very good. You can quote me on that if you want,” Trump said.

“But they’re under — Qatar’s under great pressure, but they’ve been very good.”

Trump’s comments put the White House at odds with Netanyahu’s public criticism of Doha and underscore the importance Washington continues to place on Qatar as a diplomatic channel.

For now, however, the president’s comments suggest the Iran negotiations remain unsettled — with Washington preparing to decide which direction they take next.