DOHA, Thursday – U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is getting close to finalizing a Iran Nuclear deal, claiming Tehran has “sort of” agreed to the terms.

Speaking during a Gulf tour, Trump said, “We’re in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace. We’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to go the other route — the violent one.”

However, an Iranian source familiar with the ongoing talks said that “gaps still remain” between both sides. Fresh negotiations concluded in Oman on Sunday, with further discussions planned.

Iran continues to insist on its right to enrich uranium. Although officials have shown readiness to reduce enrichment levels and stockpiles, they reject demands to fully halt the process — a key sticking point in the Iran nuclear deal.

Tehran has also proposed a phased reduction of enriched uranium. But Washington reportedly opposes the gradual approach and has not agreed on a destination for the transferred material.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reacted sharply to Trump’s remarks, calling the United States the “most destructive force” in the Middle East. He criticized U.S. sanctions and accused Washington of stoking regional instability.

“Trump thinks he can sanction and threaten us and then talk of human rights,” Pezeshkian said. “He wants to create instability inside Iran.”

Iranian officials say they are ready to limit uranium stockpiles, but not below the levels outlined in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — the same agreement Trump withdrew from during his previous term.

While both nations prefer diplomacy, red lines on uranium enrichment and sanctions relief continue to stall progress toward a renewed agreement.