US not ready to seek deal to end war with Iran, Donald Trump says
US not ready to seek deal to end war with Iran, Donald Trump says
Donald Trump stated he is not prepared to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Iran, despite the country’s apparent interest in discussions. The former president emphasized that the United States would persist in its military campaign against Tehran until the terms of any potential deal are deemed advantageous. This declaration follows Iran’s recent missile and drone strikes on Gulf nations and Israel, while Israeli and American aircraft conducted additional attacks on Iranian targets.
The conflict has intensified turmoil across the Middle East, creating disruptions in air travel and oil exports. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, has contributed to global fuel price increases. Neither Iran nor the United States has shown willingness to temper their rhetoric, even as casualties and economic strains grow.
“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said during an interview with NBC News on Saturday.
Trump hinted at further military action, suggesting the US might target Kharg Island again. The island hosts Iran’s primary oil export infrastructure, and US jets had already struck military sites there. The former president also mentioned plans to intensify attacks on Iranian coastal areas north of the strait, aiming to secure a route for oil shipments.
Experts note that Iran’s continued ability to attack shipping vessels poses a significant challenge to reopening the Hormuz passage. Trump proposed enlisting foreign warships to safeguard tankers traversing the strait, which accounts for roughly 20% of global oil and gas supplies. Over 600 vessels are currently stranded in the Red Sea, according to recent reports.
In Tehran, the war’s immediate impact on daily life appears to have eased. Witnesses described a normal workweek in the capital, with increased traffic and reopened cafes. However, some disruptions remain, such as the temporary halt of online operations at Bank Melli, one of Iran’s largest financial institutions.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called for restraint in international actions during a conversation with France’s Jean-Noël Barrot. He said Tehran is open to any proposal that ensures a full cessation of hostilities. Yet, there is no independent confirmation of progress in these talks, though Turkish officials have expressed support for a swift resolution.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz blocked. Trump, however, questioned Khamenei’s authority, claiming: “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody has been able to show him.” Khamenei, 56, was reportedly injured in the strike that began the conflict on 28 February, which killed his father and predecessor. Iranian officials described the injuries as minor.
Violence persists in other regions, with the US advising evacuations from Iraq. Pro-Iranian groups there have targeted US embassies and bases, and reports indicate new strikes against Kurdish allies in the north. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported over 1,300 deaths from US and Israeli attacks on Iran, including 223 women and 202 children. The UN estimates 3.2 million Iranians have been displaced, many fleeing cities for safety.
