Trump on Iran: ‘They’re very good negotiators’
Trump on Iran – President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States holds a strategic advantage in ongoing negotiations to resolve the Iran conflict, asserting that combined US-Israeli strikes have diminished Iran’s military strength. Despite this, he praised the Iranians for their negotiation skills, suggesting that their ability to maneuver diplomatically might not outweigh the US’s military dominance. This sentiment was expressed during an interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, on the Fox News program “My View,” which was set to air Saturday night.
“Let me tell you, they’re very good negotiators, they’re crafty, but in the end we have all the cards because we’ve defeated them militarily,” Trump stated, highlighting his confidence in the talks.
During the interview, Trump reiterated that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly reduced. He described the situation as follows: “Their navy is completely gone, 100 percent. Their air force is also entirely gone, 100 percent. Their military, we sort of left it alone because we think that their military is somewhat moderate.” This claim aligns with statements he has made consistently over the past three months, framing the US’s military actions as decisive in weakening Tehran’s position.
Trump announced on Saturday that the US and Iran were nearing a deal, with the agreement “largely negotiated” and anticipated for imminent release. According to US officials, the proposed framework would prolong the existing fragile ceasefire for an additional 60 days, restore unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and create a window for further discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the terms are still being finalized, with nuclear enrichment remaining a critical point of contention.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s chief of staff, Jake Sullivan, noted that the nuclear program’s details are among the most complex aspects of the agreement. The US has long emphasized the goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while Tehran has historically resisted limiting its enrichment activities. This divergence in priorities has been a central issue in the negotiations, with Trump insisting that the US’s military actions have forced Iran into a more favorable position.
Historical Context of the Conflict
Iran’s withdrawal from direct talks with the US in June marked a significant escalation. The decision followed a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, including a top enrichment site and ballistic missile installations. The attacks, which killed several nuclear scientists, were perceived by Iran as a direct threat to its strategic goals. In response, the US conducted its own strikes, bombing three nuclear sites within Iran’s borders to demonstrate its own military capability.
Trump’s remarks in the “My View” interview underscored his belief that these strikes had set the stage for a more advantageous negotiating position. “If we didn’t hit them with the B2 bombers nine months ago, they would have a nuclear weapon right now, and it would be a whole different story,” he said. This statement reflects his ongoing narrative that US military interventions have been pivotal in shifting the balance of power during the conflict.
Current Tensions and Negotiating Stance
Despite progress in talks, both sides remain cautious. Neither Trump nor Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has formally endorsed the latest tentative agreement, which represents the most substantial step toward a lasting peace since the conflict began in late February. The agreement, however, is not without its challenges, as the US seeks to secure concessions on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Tehran aims to protect its sovereignty.
Recent weeks have seen renewed tensions in the Gulf region. US forces launched “defensive strikes” against Iranian missile launch sites and vessels attempting to deploy mines in strategic waters. In retaliation, Iran targeted Kuwait with ballistic missiles, though they were successfully intercepted. These actions have kept the region in a state of heightened alert, with both sides maintaining their military readiness as part of the broader diplomatic process.
Trump made it clear in the interview that any deal falling short of US interests would necessitate a return to military action. “A deal that wasn’t going to be good for us is the line, ultimately, because you know I’m playing it out and we’re going to see,” he said. This conditional approach suggests that the US is prepared to escalate hostilities if the negotiations do not meet its objectives, while Iran remains committed to its bargaining position.
The proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) includes several key provisions, though details remain under discussion. Among them are provisions to extend the ceasefire, ensure unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and initiate new talks on Iran’s nuclear program. US officials have indicated that these terms aim to address immediate concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term stability in the region. However, the agreement’s success will depend on mutual trust and the ability to resolve lingering disputes.
As the negotiations progress, the international community watches closely. The US’s ability to maintain its military edge has been a cornerstone of its strategy, with Trump positioning the country as the ultimate arbiter in the conflict. Yet, the Iranians’ diplomatic finesse and historical resistance to nuclear constraints pose ongoing challenges. The upcoming announcement of the deal could either mark a turning point or highlight the complexities of bridging the gap between the two nations.
With the ceasefire extending for an additional 60 days, there is a window of opportunity for both sides to solidify their positions. The US’s focus on nuclear disarmament remains unchanged, while Iran continues to assert its right to develop a nuclear program as a symbol of national pride. The outcome of these talks will have far-reaching implications, not only for the US and Iran but for the entire Middle East. As Trump and his administration prepare to unveil the next phase of the negotiations, the world awaits the details of a deal that could redefine the region’s geopolitical landscape.
