Trump Says Iran Ready to Negotiate Ceasefire but “Terms Aren’t Good Enough Yet”
U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Iran is willing to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, but he is not prepared to agree to a deal yet. He said because the proposed conditions are “not good enough.”
In a lengthy telephone interview with NBC News, Trump said Iran had shown interest in making an agreement to end the war, but he believes the terms currently on the table are insufficient.
“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said. He added that any agreement would need to be “very solid” and strongly suggested that Iran abandoning its nuclear ambitions would be a key condition.
However, the president declined to reveal specific details about the possible terms of a ceasefire.
War Escalation After U.S.–Israel Military Operation
The current conflict began after joint military operations by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian military facilities. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel as well as U.S. targets and allies in the Middle East.
Since the conflict began, several attacks have been reported across the region, including strikes on infrastructure and military positions. According to reports, at least 13 active U.S. service members have died, including six personnel who were killed after a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq.
Trump claimed that U.S. forces have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
“We’ve knocked out most of their missiles and drones,” he said. “Within two days, it’ll be totally decimated.”
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Securing the Strait of Hormuz
Amid growing tensions and rising global oil prices, Trump also said the U.S. is working with several countries to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Iran has previously threatened to block the passage, which carries a significant portion of global oil supplies.
Trump said multiple countries have agreed to assist in keeping the route open, although he did not confirm which nations had committed to the plan.
In a social media post, he suggested that countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom could join naval efforts to secure the waterway.
“We’re going to be sweeping the strait very strongly,” Trump said, adding that other countries affected by potential disruptions in oil supply are likely to support the mission.
Also Read: US-Israel War With Iran Escalates: Strait of Hormuz Threat, Tehran Strikes, and Global Shockwaves
U.S. Strikes on Strategic Iranian Targets
Trump also confirmed that U.S. forces carried out strikes on Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil export terminal.
According to the president, the strikes severely damaged the facility but did not destroy energy pipelines.
“We totally demolished Kharg Island,” Trump said, though he noted that energy infrastructure was largely spared because rebuilding it would take years.
The island plays a major role in Iran’s oil exports, making it a key strategic location in the ongoing conflict.
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Questions About Iran’s New Supreme Leader
During the interview, Trump also raised questions about the status of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Khamenei took over leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the initial strikes earlier in the conflict.
Trump claimed there were rumors that the new leader might have been injured or even killed.
“I don’t know if he’s even alive,” Trump said. “Nobody has been able to show him.”
However, Iranian officials have issued written statements attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, promising continued resistance against U.S. and allied forces.
Iran Expands Attacks Across the Region
Trump also said he was surprised by Iran’s decision to expand its attacks beyond Israel and U.S. forces.
Iranian drones have reportedly targeted several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Officials in the UAE have reported that more than 1,400 drones have been launched toward the country since the conflict escalated.
“I was very surprised,” Trump said about Iran targeting other Middle Eastern countries.
Rising Oil Prices and Global Impact
The conflict has also had a major impact on global energy markets. Oil prices have surged as fears grow that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted.
Despite concerns among Americans about rising fuel costs, Trump said he is not worried.
“I think gas prices will go lower than they were before,” he said, adding that prices should drop once the conflict ends.
According to energy data, average gas prices in the U.S. have risen from about $2.94 per gallon at the start of the conflict to around $3.66.
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Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy
Trump also criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian president has been more difficult to negotiate with than Vladimir Putin.
The comments came after Ukraine offered assistance to Middle Eastern countries to intercept Iranian drones, based on its experience defending against Russian drone attacks.
Trump dismissed the offer, saying the U.S. does not need help.
“The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy,” he said.
Uncertain Path Toward a Ceasefire
Although Iran has reportedly signaled a willingness to negotiate, Trump’s comments suggest that a ceasefire agreement is not imminent.
For now, the U.S. administration appears focused on continuing military operations while seeking stronger conditions for any potential deal.
As the conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East, global leaders are watching closely to see whether diplomacy will eventually replace military action.
