Trump signals weekend talks with Iran, says nuclear red line 'non-negotiable'

US President Donald Trump on Saturday indicated that fresh negotiations with Iran are set to take place over the weekend, expressing optimism that ongoing diplomatic efforts could yield results even as Washington maintains pressure through a naval blockade.

“We’re negotiating over the weekend… As you know there has been a blockade which has been very successful. I expect things to go well,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard his airplane, suggesting that key elements of a potential understanding may already be in place.

Emphasising Washington’s core objective, Trump asserted that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains an absolute priority. “The main thing is that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon — and that supersedes everything else,” he said.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining central to global concerns over energy security and maritime stability.

In a parallel development, Trump also pointed to improving coordination with China, stating that President Xi Jinping was “very happy” with the reopening, or expected reopening, of the Strait.

“President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening. Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, historic. Much will be accomplished,” he posted on Truth Social, signalling a possible diplomatic convergence between Washington and Beijing on stabilising the region.