House Speaker Mike Johnson said he is “praying for a resolution” to escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran as negotiations continue at the White House.
Johnson’s comments come as concerns mount over regional instability and its potential economic impact on energy markets and global shipping routes. “I talk with the president about it almost every day,” Johnson said. “He certainly understands that he wants it to be resolved quickly, but it must be done in the right way.”
The Louisiana Republican said the Trump administration’s core demand remains unchanged during negotiations and military tensions. “We have to finish the job, so to speak,” Johnson said. “That means we’ve got to ensure, of course, his number one condition is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Nuclear Concerns Drive Negotiations
Trump administration officials have repeatedly warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions threaten not only the United States but also American allies across the Middle East and Europe. “You can’t have the largest sponsor of terrorist organizations with a nuclear weapon,” Johnson said. “It would be a disaster for the whole world.”
Iran has long denied seeking to build nuclear weapons, saying its program serves civilian energy and research purposes. However, Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities exceed what Western governments and international observers say is necessary for peaceful civilian use.
Johnson said negotiations also focus on securing and disposing of enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran. “I think those are going to be all part of the negotiation that continues over 60 days,” he said.
Regional Stability and Trade
Johnson emphasized reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane for oil and trade whose disruption has driven energy prices upward worldwide. “In the meanwhile, we can get the Strait of Hormuz reopened for commerce, because that’s important for everybody around the world,” Johnson said.
He noted that NATO countries, Middle Eastern allies, and nations like Pakistan are involved in the peace negotiations. “Our fingers crossed, we’re praying for a resolution there, and one that ensures the safety and the prosperity of Americans and everybody else for that matter,” Johnson told the host.
Administration Efforts Intensify
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several administration members worked at the White House over the holiday weekend to finalize a potential deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that an agreement could materialize “today,” while adding that Israel retained the right to defend itself against attack.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday that leaders and the United States have reached understandings on many issues in negotiations. “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei said during a weekly briefing.
However, Baqaei cautioned that an accord is not imminent and accused Washington of shifting its positions. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” he added.
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.
