U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday struck a combative yet uncertain tone on Iran, claiming Tehran is “begging” for a deal while questioning whether Washington is still willing to engage. Speaking after his first cabinet meeting since February 28, Trump said, “They are begging to make a deal, not me… They are begging to work out a deal,” pushing back against suggestions that the U.S. is seeking negotiations.
At the same time, he signalled ambiguity over the path forward. “I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that,” he said, casting fresh doubt over prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Trump offered a mixed assessment of Iran, describing its leadership as capable negotiators despite military setbacks.
“They're not fools. They're very smart, in a certain way. I say they're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators,” he said.
Also Read: Trump Warns Iran To Get Serious Soon' On Negotiations To End War
He also suggested that the window for diplomacy may be narrowing.
“They should have done that four weeks ago… or two years ago… or when we first came into office,” he added.
Linking any agreement to strategic outcomes, Trump reiterated that easing tensions would depend on Tehran accepting U.S. conditions.
“If they make the right deal, the Hormuz will open up,” he said, referring to the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Trump doubled down on his administration's core red line, stating that the U.S. “cannot allow Iran to have nuclear weapons,” and alleged that Tehran had ambitions to “take over the Middle East” before the conflict.
He also claimed significant battlefield gains, saying U.S. forces had “completely destroyed” Iran's navy and “knocked down nearly 90% of their launchers,” adding that Iran's military capabilities had been severely degraded.
Also Read: US Troop Movements Fan Fears Of A Risky Ground Attack On Iran
The remarks came amid reports that Iran has responded to a U.S. proposal to end the conflict through intermediaries and is awaiting Washington's reply. According to multiple media reports, the proposal includes a potential ceasefire and renewed talks centred on curbing Iran's nuclear programme, limiting its missile capabilities, and halting support for regional allies. Trump also revealed that “very substantial talks” were underway with what he described as the “right people” in Iran, though he did not elaborate.
Separately, he criticised NATO, saying the alliance had done “absolutely nothing,” and asserted that “they need us, we don't need them,” while maintaining that the U.S. military campaign is “way ahead of schedule.”
On operational details, Trump declined to comment when asked about potential moves targeting Iran's uranium assets.
“Let's assume I was or I wasn't. Why would I ever answer that question?” he said.
The U.S. president also suggested that market reactions to the conflict had been more muted than expected. “I thought the oil prices would go up more, and I thought the stock market would go down more. It hasn't been nearly as severe as I thought,” he said, adding that markets may reflect “confidence” in U.S. leadership.
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