Trump Hints at Breakthrough in Iran Talks, Delays EU Tariffs Amid Global Tensions

MORRISTOWN — Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday indicated potential progress in high-stakes negotiations with Iran, while also stepping back from a looming trade clash with the European Union, opting to delay sweeping tariffs that had rattled global markets.

Speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport before returning to Washington from his Bedminster golf club, Trump said U.S. negotiators had “very good” discussions with an Iranian delegation in Rome over the weekend. The talks, led by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, are part of renewed efforts to reach a deal preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“I think we could have some good news on the Iran front,” Trump said, expressing cautious optimism. “I don’t know if I’ll be telling you anything good or bad over the next two days, but I have a feeling I might be telling you something good.”

While details of the discussions remain scarce, Trump’s remarks signal a potential shift in U.S.-Iran relations after years of diplomatic stalemate and rising nuclear tensions.

Tariff Threat on Hold as EU Seeks More Time

In a separate development, Trump announced he would delay a planned 50% tariff on European Union imports until July 9, easing fears of an imminent escalation in the transatlantic trade dispute.

The decision followed a call from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who urged Trump to stick to the original 90-day negotiation window he had set in April.

“We had a very nice call, and I agreed to move it,” Trump said. “She said we will rapidly get together and see if we can work something out.”

Von der Leyen confirmed the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Europe is ready to advance talks swiftly and decisively. To reach a good deal, we would need the time until July 9.”

Global financial markets responded positively, with both the euro and U.S. dollar gaining against the yen and Swiss franc after news of the delay.

Trump’s earlier tariff threat on Friday — made out of frustration with slow EU trade talks — had triggered sharp declines in global stocks and stoked fears of a broader trade war. “I’m not looking for a deal,” Trump had said then, suggesting the 50% tariff was a done decision.

Condemns Putin Over Ukraine Assault

On another front, Trump voiced sharp criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin for orchestrating the largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began in 2022. The barrage, involving 367 drones and missiles, left at least 12 dead and dozens injured.

“I’m not happy with Putin,” Trump said. “What the hell happened to him? He’s killing a lot of people.”

Although Trump has long maintained that he “got along” with Putin, he acknowledged the Russian leader’s recent actions were deeply troubling. “He’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all,” he said.

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Trump also raised the possibility of imposing further sanctions on Russia and reiterated his efforts to mediate a ceasefire. He recently held a two-hour call with Putin discussing a potential U.S.-backed truce, though tangible outcomes remain uncertain.

Global Flashpoints Multiply

With nuclear diplomacy on the table with Iran, trade tensions simmering with the EU, and the Ukraine war intensifying, Trump’s weekend remarks underscore the complex geopolitical landscape shaping U.S. foreign policy.

While hopeful signs emerge from negotiations, critics warn that unpredictability and mixed signals could undermine diplomatic progress. Nonetheless, Trump’s statements suggest that behind-the-scenes efforts are continuing to reshape international dynamics — with Iran, Russia, and the EU all at the center of unfolding developments.