President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, May 27, 2026 in Washington.Win McNamee/Getty Images
During a meeting with his Cabinet on Wednesday, President Donald Trump indicated that he is not prioritizing a swift agreement with Iran. He stated that he is indifferent to the upcoming midterm elections, suggesting this is the regime’s belief in his need to secure an accord before the anticipated highly contested November elections.
"They believed they could outlast me, you see. 'We will outlast him. He has the midterms.' I don't concern myself with the midterms. Observe what transpired last night; it was a precursor to the midterms. People comprehend it," Trump remarked, likely alluding to the victory of his favored candidate, Ken Paxton, in the Texas Senate Republican runoff.
Given the escalating tensions with Iran and persistent high gasoline prices nationwide, Trump conveyed a lack of urgency to resolve the conflict.
"Mr. President, you have mentioned that you are in no hurry to reach an agreement, but with gas prices that remain elevated across the country, individuals are spending more on travel. Does this create a greater sense of urgency for you to finalize a deal? Why doesn't it?" ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott inquired of Trump during the Cabinet session.
"Well, allow me to state, the foremost urgency, as I have articulated, although it was not adequately reported, is that we must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities," Trump responded.
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, May 27, 2026.Evan Vucci/Reuters
The president also seemed to issue a new warning directed at Oman, a crucial partner for the United States in the Middle East.
Trump stated his refusal to accept a temporary accord that would grant Iran and Oman dominion over the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Iranian state media, asserting that the vital maritime passage would be "accessible to all."
"Oman will conduct itself like everyone else, or we will be compelled to take forceful action against them. They are aware of this situation," Trump declared.
When questioned on Wednesday about the possibility of easing any sanctions on Iran, Trump responded negatively.
"No, we are not contemplating any relaxation of sanctions or the provision of funds. No sanctions, no money, absolutely nothing," Trump stated. "We are retaining control over funds that they claim as their own. We will maintain this control. Once they demonstrate proper conduct and act appropriately, we will permit them access to their funds. However, at this juncture, we are not proceeding with that… One matter is independent of the other."
These remarks follow a statement by a senior administration official to reporters over the weekend, indicating that Iran might receive sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets in return for an agreement on its nuclear program.
Regarding the progress of negotiations, Trump expressed on Wednesday that he is "not content" and characterized Iran as "negotiating on fumes."
"We are not satisfied with the current situation, but we will be. We will achieve satisfaction. Alternatively, we will need to conclude the endeavor," Trump concluded.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com