PALM BEACH (VINnews) — President Trump described indirect negotiations with Iran in Oman as “very good” Friday, asserting that Tehran appears eager to reach a nuclear deal with the United States.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he traveled to Florida, Trump said the talks — mediated by Oman — showed progress and that Iran “wants to make a deal very badly.”

“We likewise had very good talks on Iran. Iran looks like it wants to make a deal very badly. We have to see what that deal is,” Trump said. “But I think Iran looks like they want to make a deal very badly, as they should. Last time, they decided maybe not to do it, but I think they probably feel differently. We’ll see what the deal is. It’ll be different than last time.”

Trump referenced a U.S. military buildup in the region, noting, “We have a big armada. We have a big fleet heading in that direction. It’ll be there pretty soon. So we’ll see how that works out.”

The comments came after U.S. and Iranian delegations held indirect discussions in Muscat, Oman’s capital, focused on Tehran’s nuclear program amid heightened regional tensions. The talks involved U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, presidential adviser Jared Kushner and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi mediating separate meetings.

Iranian officials described the session as a “good start,” with Araghchi indicating further rounds could follow soon, though no specific date was confirmed. Trump said another meeting was planned for early next week.

The negotiations aim to address Iran’s nuclear activities following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last summer during a 12-day conflict involving Israel. Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons under any agreement.

Friday’s talks occurred against the backdrop of U.S. naval deployments in the Gulf and ongoing concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional proxies, issues that some Israeli officials have emphasized must be included in any broader deal.

Trump’s optimistic assessment contrasted with warnings of steep consequences if no agreement is reached, reflecting his administration’s “peace through strength” approach combining diplomacy with military readiness.