US President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that Iran seeks a deal to end the conflict, but he refuses to negotiate.
“They want to make a deal. I don’t,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He added that the United States has “blown Iran off of the map” and achieved its military goals “weeks ahead of schedule.”
Trump claimed Iran’s leadership, navy, and air force no longer exist, leaving Tehran with “absolutely no defense.”
These statements followed his Friday remarks, where he mentioned seeking talks with Iran but noted “nobody to talk to” after weeks of strikes that he said destroyed much of Iran’s leadership. During his campaign, Trump indicated Iran had reached out for discussions, though he described Tehran as “not ready” to negotiate.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Iran seeks an exit from the war. He previously stated that Iran “never asked for a ceasefire” and remains “ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”
Trump originally projected the military campaign would last four to five weeks. He later adjusted this timeline, describing operations as running “ahead of schedule.” On Friday, he indicated he is considering “winding down” the efforts.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran started February 28 and have reportedly killed 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the time.
Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military bases, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage.
Since the campaign began, fourteen US service members have died.
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