Former Trump national security adviser: More Iran talks ‘probably a waste of time’
Former Trump Adviser on Iran Talks and Oil Production
Former Trump national security adviser - Victoria Coates, the former Trump national security adviser who served as deputy national security adviser during the Trump administration, has expressed skepticism about continuing peace negotiations with Iran. Speaking on NewsNation, the former official shared her views on both the diplomatic challenges and economic factors surrounding the current situation. Her comments reflect a broader perspective within the Trump circle regarding the value of ongoing talks with Tehran.
Trump's Harsh Words for Iran
President Trump made his frustration with Iran clear during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. He told reporters he had no desire to continue engaging with the Middle Eastern country, even going so far as to call Iranian representatives "scum." This strong language captured the growing impatience in the White House about the negotiation process. Coates, the former Trump national security adviser, said the president's remarks matched her own evaluation of events. She explained to NewsNation's Blake Burman that, according to Trump's recent statements, the current strategy may not be working. "At this point, it probably is a waste of time, from what the president said in Ankara over the last couple days, that this is essentially not a group you can deal with," she stated.
Violations and Broken Ceasefire
The diplomatic tensions have intensified as both nations have exchanged military strikes this week, each blaming the other for violating a ceasefire agreement reached last month. Despite these clashes, Washington and Tehran had signed a framework deal intended to restart peace discussions and ease regional pressures. Trump announced that the temporary halt in fighting had ended. Although he showed reluctance to speak directly with Iranian officials, he said he would work through American negotiators. His message was simple: "They want to negotiate. They're good people," he told reporters. "But they have to come back to me. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a waste of time dealing with [Iran]."
Strong Oil Numbers Provide Comfort
Beyond diplomacy, Coates addressed worries about rising energy prices due to the conflict. She highlighted positive information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which released a detailed report Thursday showing record domestic oil production. According to the federal agency, American crude oil output hit historic highs in 2025. The United States produced an average of 13.6 million barrels of oil per day, far exceeding Russia's 9.9 million barrels and Saudi Arabia's 9.6 million barrels daily. This significant advantage confirms America's position as the leading global oil producer. Coates stressed the importance of this milestone. "We've seen this massive jump," she noted, pointing out how much domestic output has grown. "We're now by far and away the biggest oil producer in the world."
What Comes Next
The mix of solid energy production and shifting diplomatic approaches creates a complicated picture for U.S. foreign policy. While the president maintains that Iranian talks offer little immediate benefit, the strong oil figures offer economic protection against possible market problems. The next few weeks will show whether the framework agreement can survive current pressures or if more conflict is coming.
"At this point, it probably is a waste of time, from what the president said in Ankara over the last couple days, that this is essentially not a group you can deal with." — Victoria Coates, former Trump national security adviser