President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States plans to collaborate closely with Iran and engage in discussions about removing tariffs and sanctions, following the establishment of a two-week ceasefire agreement.
The president’s optimistic statements about Iran across three social media posts Wednesday represented a striking shift from his aggressive rhetoric just one day prior. On Tuesday, Trump had threatened to destroy Iran’s entire “civilization,” but by Wednesday he was proclaiming “A big day for World Peace!”
According to Trump’s social media statements, Iranian officials have accepted many elements of a 15-point proposal presented by the United States, though he provided no additional specifics about the agreement.
“We are, and will be, talking Tariff and Sanctions relief with Iran,” Trump stated.
While Trump’s positive remarks brought relief to Iranian citizens and global financial markets celebrating the ceasefire, fundamental disputes between Washington and Tehran persist, with both nations maintaining conflicting requirements for any lasting peace agreement.
The president agreed to the two-week pause in hostilities less than two hours before his ultimatum deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor or face destruction of its infrastructure and energy facilities.
Trump indicated Wednesday that America “will be helping the traffic buildup” in the strategic waterway. Experts estimate clearing the backlog of over 1,000 commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf region will likely require more than the two-week ceasefire period.
The president also warned that any nation providing weapons to Iran would immediately face 50% tariffs on exports to America, though he did not explain his legal authority for imposing such measures. The Supreme Court invalidated his previous tariff authority in February, and alternative options carry significant restrictions and implementation challenges.
China and Russia have previously assisted Iran’s military development to counter American and Israeli influence, providing missile systems, air defense technology, and other equipment designed to strengthen Iran’s deterrent capabilities. However, this support appeared limited during recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.
Both Beijing and Moscow have denied recent weapons deliveries, although accusations against Russia continue. American imports of Russian products have declined dramatically since the 2022 Ukraine invasion and subsequent sanctions.
Trump praised Iran’s new leadership Wednesday after U.S. and Israeli strikes eliminated several senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
“The United States will work closely with Iran, which we have determined has gone through what will be a very productive Regime Change!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that face-to-face negotiations remain possible, though no final arrangements have been determined.
Vice President JD Vance, currently visiting Budapest, Hungary, said he has been working to advance diplomatic progress and described Trump as “impatient” for results.
Vance explained that the president instructed his negotiating team to engage in “good faith” discussions if Iran reciprocates. “But that’s a big if, and ultimately, it’s up to the Iranians how they negotiate. I hope they make the right decision.”
Trump, whose original justification for military action focused on preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development, also declared in his posts that there will be “no enrichment of Uranium, and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear ‘Dust.’”
“Nothing has been touched from the date of attack,” he added.
The military campaign conducted by America and Israel has not yet eliminated Iran’s stockpile of weapons-grade enriched uranium or disabled its capacity to strike neighboring countries with missiles and drones. Iran’s religious leadership, which survived mass protests months earlier, has endured the six-week military campaign without facing significant domestic opposition.
Nevertheless, Trump sees potential opportunities in Iran’s reconstruction efforts, promising America will be “hangin’ around” to help create a “Golden Age of the Middle East.”
“There will be lots of positive action!” Trump posted shortly after midnight Wednesday in Washington. “Big money will be made.”
