Pakistan, May 15 -- US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington is "very close" to finalizing a nuclear agreement with Iran, suggesting progress in backchannel diplomacy despite lingering gaps. During his Middle East visit, Trump told reporters that Tehran has "agreed to some terms" and that talks are moving toward a long-term peace deal.

Trump emphasized that there are two ways to deal with Iran - one through dialogue, the other through force - but added, "I don't want to go with the violent option." His comments came as Iranian and American negotiators concluded a new round of secret talks in Oman on Sunday, with more negotiations planned.

However, Iranian sources familiar with the talks caution that significant gaps remain....