US President Donald Trump dismisses reports he is desperate for an Iran deal, mixing threats with claims of military success as a deadline looms.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump denied being desperate to secure a deal with Iran. He made the remarks during his first cabinet meeting since the US-Israeli military operation began.
Trump insisted Iran was being “beat to shit” and was “begging” for a deal. Tehran has repeatedly denied any direct negotiations are taking place.
“I read a story today that I’m desperate to make a deal,” Trump told reporters. “I’m the opposite of desperate. I don’t care.”
The president’s comments fuel ongoing speculation about his goals for the Middle East conflict. He has given mixed signals, alternating between threats and diplomacy.
Trump cited the original four-to-six week timeframe for the offensive, stating “we’re extremely, really, a lot ahead of schedule.” He claimed Iran allowed 10 oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a negotiating “present”.
However, he also stated that taking control of Iran’s oil remained an “option”. This mirrors the US approach in Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro.
A deadline for Iran to unblock the strategic strait expires on Friday. Trump said he was unsure if he would extend it, remarking “in Trump time, a day, you know what it is? That’s an eternity.”
His global envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed Washington sent a 15-point “action list” via mediator Pakistan. Witkoff said there were “strong signs” Iran might make a deal.
Trump spent much of the meeting criticising NATO and other allies for rejecting appeals to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He blasted offered British aircraft carriers as “toys” compared to US equivalents.
“I’ve done a great favor for the world. The world has not been reciprocal,” Trump said. “I believe that’s going to cost them dearly.”
Top officials echoed the president’s combative tone. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hailed Trump for “doing the work of the free world”.
“We pray for a deal, and we welcome a deal,” Hegseth said. “But in the meantime…the Department of War will continue negotiating with bombs.”
