Iran War Live Updates: Trump and Iran Send Conflicting Signals on Talks - WSJ

WSJ
March 23, 2026
3 min read

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Trump and Iran are exchanging conflicting public statements about the feasibility of direct negotiations.

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President Trump and Iran are exchanging competing public statements about the possibility of negotiations, with each side signaling different positions on whether talks are feasible. The conflicting messages reflect deep tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities, which have been central flashpoints in U.S.-Iran relations since Trump's first term. Both nations appear to be testing diplomatic waters while maintaining hardline rhetoric, leaving the near-term prospects for direct engagement uncertain. Trump administration officials have previously linked any negotiations to changes in Iranian behavior, while Iranian officials have laid out their own preconditions. The mixed signals suggest both sides are hedging their positions as they assess whether a diplomatic opening exists.

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