Trump says talks with Tehran continue and Iran is getting more serious, as Washington weighs escalation versus a deal

US President Donald Trump said on Friday, July 24, 2026, after the 13th consecutive night of US strikes on Iran, that talks with Tehran are continuing and that he believes Iran is getting more serious in negotiations. He outlined two paths to end the war: continuing and even intensifying military action, or what he called a smarter strategy, namely reaching a deal.

Trump added that he had met the same day with senior advisers and Cabinet members to discuss a possible escalation if the talks fail. Iran had earlier rejected a proposed temporary ceasefire mediated by Iraq's prime minister. The uncertainty between the war and deal scenarios is a key driver of shifting expectations in Iran's currency and gold markets.