US President Donald Trump has acknowledged for the first time that his administration is engaged in direct backchannel communications with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This admission comes as a 60-day negotiation window aimed at resolving US-Iran tensions concludes without a comprehensive peace deal.
In a Monday interview with Fox News, Trump stated that the US is in contact with members of the IRGC, bypassing Iran’s political leadership and traditional diplomatic intermediaries. He confirmed, “We have a back-channel with the Revolutionary Guards,” marking a significant shift in diplomatic efforts.
The expiration of the 60-day period has left Washington and Tehran sharply divided over the terms for any long-term settlement. Trump reiterated his firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the primary goal. He urged Iran to “put up the white flag of surrender,” but also indicated that diplomacy remains possible without a fixed deadline, saying, “I’m not in a hurry.”
The IRGC, a dominant force in Iran’s military and security apparatus, has played a pivotal role in the country’s wartime decision-making. Trump’s confirmation of direct talks with the IRGC bypasses conventional diplomatic channels and follows reports that the US sought alternative communication routes due to the IRGC’s increasing influence.
Despite Trump’s claims, Iranian military officials have publicly denied the existence of such direct negotiations, dismissing the US president’s statements. This conflicting narrative highlights the deep mistrust between the two nations, even as some diplomatic openings persist.
As the 60-day negotiation period ends, no agreement has been reached to extend the interim ceasefire. Iranian officials have indicated that progress toward reviving the peace arrangement has been minimal, and Tehran rejects reports suggesting an extension has been agreed upon. Disagreements remain over core issues, including Iran’s demand to end the US blockade and Washington’s insistence on conditions such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz and curbing Iran’s nuclear program. This impasse raises concerns that military tensions could escalate again.
In a related development, Trump issued a stern warning to Oman, a key regional player facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs US efforts, stating, “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb these out of them.” Oman and Iran have reportedly been negotiating an arrangement to manage shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies and a flashpoint in US-Iran tensions.
Trump also dismissed claims that his Iran policy is influenced by upcoming US elections, asserting that national security concerns and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons guide his decisions. He downplayed worries about the depletion of US military stockpiles, noting that only a small fraction of available weapons has been used.
Regarding the Gaza conflict, Trump advised against Israeli attacks in the region and claimed that the US maintains communication channels with Hamas. He suggested that Hamas might be moving toward disarmament and that a peace agreement could be possible if the group lays down its weapons. These comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, with Hamas reportedly accepting a US-backed ceasefire plan while Israel demands Hamas’ disarmament before any agreement.
Trump’s admission of a backchannel with the IRGC underscores the complex duality of his approach—combining aggressive rhetoric with continued diplomatic engagement. While demanding Iran’s nuclear surrender and warning of potential military action, his administration appears intent on maintaining communication with influential Iranian military actors.
For Iran, the combination of conflicting public statements and sustained US military and economic pressure complicates the path to a lasting resolution. With the negotiation window now closed without a deal, the coming days will be critical in determining whether these backchannel contacts can evolve into formal negotiations or if tensions will escalate further.
Trump has made it clear that the US is prepared to pursue both continued pressure and military readiness alongside the possibility of diplomacy, keeping all options open as the situation develops.
