The Trump administration is actively pursuing a high-stakes diplomatic meeting with Iranian officials this week, aiming to halt hostilities between Israel and Iran and revive a nuclear agreement. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi if Iran agrees, four sources confirmed.

President Trump sees the moment as decisive: “a make-or-break” test to determine whether diplomacy can prevail or military force will be used to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program.

Fordow Becomes Key Point of Leverage

A senior U.S. official described Trump’s strategy as one of high-pressure dealmaking. The president believes the U.S.’s capability to destroy Iran’s underground Fordow enrichment site with bunker-busting bombs—something Israel cannot do—gives Washington crucial leverage.

“Trump thinks in terms of deals and leverage,” the official said. “And this is leverage.”

Tehran Evacuation Warning Fuels War Fears

Trump shocked global observers on Monday night by urging Iranian civilians on Truth Social to evacuate Tehran “immediately,” following reports of explosions in the capital. The move, paired with his early return from the G7 summit in Canada, triggered widespread speculation that the U.S. had entered the conflict.

White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer denied direct involvement. “American forces are maintaining their defensive posture,” he said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced that Trump “still seeks peace.”

Netanyahu Urges Strikes; Trump Pushes Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is lobbying for U.S. military support, especially to strike Fordow. But Trump has resisted, insisting Iran’s weakened position makes a deal achievable. “I think a deal will be signed. I think Iran is foolish not to sign one,” Trump said at the G7.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Washington has made a formal offer to meet Iran in person, telling reporters, “The Americans have made an offer… we will see what happens.”