Trump Says He’s Not Desperate for Iran Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday denied reports that he was “desperate” to reach a deal with Iran to end the ongoing war, even as he alternated between threats and diplomatic attempts at a White House meeting.

At his first Cabinet meeting since the start of the joint U.S.–Israeli operation, Trump said Iran was seeking a deal and was “begging” for one, a claim Tehran has openly denied.

“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,” he said, dismissing media characterisations of his intentions.

Trump has repeatedly suggested in recent days that Iran wants to negotiate, amid indications that indirect talks continue through intermediaries.

Tehran, however, has openly denied direct negotiations with Washington at this stage.

During the 90-minute televised meeting, Trump claimed progress towards a diplomatic solution while reiterating threats against Iran.

“They want to make a deal. The reason they want to make a deal is they have been just beat to shit,” Trump said.

Plumes of smoke rise from the sites of Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 3, 2026. The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for dozens of locations in Lebanon on March 3, including warning residents in two southern Beirut neighbourhoods to stay away from several buildings ahead of an imminent operation. (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO / AFP)

He referenced the original four‑to‑six‑week timeline for the conflict that he announced after it began on Feb. 28, saying the U.S. was “a lot ahead of schedule.”

Trump also said Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present,” a gesture he interpreted as a sign of seriousness about talks.

At the same time, the president did not rule out taking control of Iranian oil resources as an “option”, considering past U.S. actions in Venezuela.

The U.S. envoy to Iran, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that Washington had sent a 15‑point proposal via the mediator, Pakistan, and said there were “strong signs” that Iran might be willing to discuss terms.

Trump spent part of the meeting criticising NATO and other allies for not helping secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments, and derided British naval contributions as inadequate.

“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.”

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.