US President Donald Trump has set a tight deadline for negotiations with Iran on a new nuclear deal, but officials are divided over which route is more likely to succeed. Without an agreement, war is looming.
Two main camps have emerged in the discussions, each with its own approach. The “deal camp” advocates for diplomatic solutions and compromise, while the “hawk camp” prefers a tough stance against Iran.
The “deal camp” includes Vice President Mike Pence’s allies, including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. They argue that a new conflict in the region would be disastrous for the US economy.
On the other hand, the “hawk camp” led by national security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes Iran is weaker than ever and should not compromise. They support Tehran’s complete nuclear program dismantling or military action against the country.
Trump himself has made it clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and all options remain on the table. His administration is committed to its “posture on Iran” to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
Iran has proposed an interim nuclear agreement during talks with the US, which could be a possible pathway for negotiations. The two countries use similar language to describe their objectives, but Tehran doesn’t trust Trump.
The high-stakes nuclear talks will determine whether the Iranians are serious or just stringing them along.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/trump-iran-nuclear-policy-vance-rubio