US President Donald Trump has made it clear that Iran will not receive any sanctions relief until a final peace agreement is reached, reaffirming Washington’s strategy of maintaining maximum economic pressure on Tehran even as negotiations continue. Speaking in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump said frozen Iranian assets would remain inaccessible and sanctions would stay in place until Iran “behaves” and demonstrates what he called responsible conduct.
Trump’s remarks underline a familiar pattern in his Iran policy — pressure first, concessions later. The administration has kept diplomatic channels open while simultaneously escalating economic and military pressure, especially after the conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Despite ongoing talks, tensions remain high across the region.
When asked whether he would consider easing sanctions before a deal, Trump responded bluntly: “Comes after… If they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking.” He also signalled a willingness to escalate militarily if negotiations stall, saying: “We’re very close to a deal, or I’m going to blow the hell out of them.” The comment reflects the administration’s mix of coercion and diplomacy.
Trump also called for “surgical strikes” on Hezbollah, arguing that the Iran‑backed group poses a growing threat amid the wider regional conflict. His comments come as Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, and as Iran denounces recent US strikes on its radar installations as “provocative.”
Analysts note that sanctions remain Washington’s most powerful bargaining chip. Iran’s economy has endured years of restrictions affecting oil exports, banking access, and international financial transactions. Any relief would be a major incentive for Tehran — and a key point of leverage for the US.