President says Iran talks are "going very well," says U.S. would take Iranian nuclear material after any agreement

The President told reporters aboard a plane that negotiations with Iran were "going very well" and described recent U.S. pressure — including a blockade and prior operations — as "pretty lethal," adding that the principal aim was to ensure Iran "will not have a nuclear weapon."

He said there had been "some pretty good news 20 minutes ago" but repeatedly declined to provide operational details, telling reporters, "But you'll hear about it" and that a formal timeline would be set "after the signing of the agreement."

The President addressed questions about Iran transferring its nuclear material, saying, "We're taking it. Very simple." He then added, "we'll go in with Iran and we will take it together and we will bring it back 100% of it back to the United States." He did not specify which U.S. agencies or international partners would be involved or provide a date for any transfer.

Reporters pressed whether the President personally was directing negotiations. He said he had "people representing me, but I'm the one that makes the decision," framing himself as the ultimate decision-maker while not describing his negotiators or staff-level roles.

The President also linked the Iran talks to regional dynamics, telling reporters that a ceasefire in Lebanon was not "really tied" to the Iran matter though it could be "psychologically tied," and said the United States would "help Lebanon become a country again." He claimed that U.S. forces had intercepted a large missile salvo, saying between "101 to 111" missiles were fired at a U.S. asset and that "every single one of those missiles were shot down."

When asked about a timing deadline, a reporter noted a Wednesday ceasefire end; the President said "maybe I won't extend it," reiterated that the blockade would remain, and warned, "unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again" if necessary before thanking reporters and closing the exchange.

The President declined to provide further specifics about operational details, personnel, or legal authorities that would govern any transfer of material; the transcript records his assertions and refusals to provide a timeline, not independent confirmation of actions. The next procedural step the President cited was signing an agreement, after which any transfer would occur.