President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, but he refuses to accept the current terms on the table. The president made these remarks during an extensive telephone interview where he discussed the expanding Middle East conflict. Trump stated that any potential agreement must be very solid before he will consider it. He confirmed that a complete abandonment of nuclear ambitions would need to be part of the deal.
The president acknowledged Iran’s desire to end the fighting but insisted the terms remain insufficient. Trump declined to specify what specific conditions he would require for an agreement. He suggested that the United States continue making significant military progress against Iranian forces. The president expressed surprise that Iran attacked other nations in response to the U.S.-Israeli operation. Trump characterized the Iranian response as unexpected, given the current military situation.
Trump confirmed that American forces conducted precision strikes on Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil terminal. He described the operation as demolishing most of the island’s military infrastructure. The president added that additional strikes might occur just for fun. He emphasized that U.S. forces deliberately avoided targeting energy infrastructure lines. Trump explained that preserving oil facilities would prevent years of rebuilding efforts.
The president claimed American forces have destroyed most Iranian missiles and drones. He asserted that manufacturing capabilities for this weaponry are largely eliminated. Trump predicted that within two days, these military capacities would be totally decimated. He described Iran’s remaining power as limited to mining waters or firing short-range missiles. The president vowed to eliminate even these capabilities through continued shoreline operations.
Trump announced he is working with numerous countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway remains crucial for global oil shipments and energy security. The president said several nations have committed to participating in this security effort. He declined to name specific countries but mentioned possibilities including China and France. Trump emphasized that affected nations recognize the importance of keeping the strait open.
The president addressed concerns about potential mines in the strait. He stated that American forces will conduct thorough sweeping operations in the area. Trump expressed confidence that other countries will join these maritime security efforts. He remained vague about whether the Navy would escort ships through the strait. The president suggested this remains a possibility but declined to provide details.
Trump questioned whether Iran’s new supreme leader remains alive after recent events. Mojtaba Khamenei failed to appear on camera for his first leadership statement. The president described hearing rumors about the leader’s possible death. He suggested that if alive, the leader should consider surrender for his country’s benefit. Trump characterized these reports as unconfirmed rumors circulating among intelligence channels.
The president dismissed American concerns about rising gas prices since operations began. He framed the military action as necessary for long-term regional stability. Trump compared Ukrainian President Zelenskyy unfavorably to Putin regarding deal-making. He criticized Zelenskyy as far more difficult to work with than the Russian leader. The president’s comments followed recent sanctions adjustments on Russian oil exports.
Thirteen American service members have died since the conflict’s inception. Six crew members perished on Friday when their refueling plane crashed in Iraq. Trump administration officials have sent mixed signals about the operation’s duration. The president alternately suggests the conflict could last months or end soon. He claimed the U.S. remains ahead of schedule militarily despite ongoing hostilities.
Trump also confirmed that American forces carried out major strikes on Kharg Island, a strategic oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. According to the president, the operation severely damaged infrastructure on the island during recent attacks, although he said U.S. forces deliberately avoided destroying critical energy pipelines because rebuilding them would take years and could disrupt global energy markets.
Meanwhile, the widening war has increased concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage responsible for transporting a significant share of the world’s oil shipments. Trump said the United States is working with several countries to secure the waterway and protect commercial shipping routes from potential Iranian interference. Although he declined to identify specific nations involved, the president said multiple governments have expressed support and may deploy naval forces to the region to help keep the passage open.
Iranian leaders previously warned they could attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, a move that could sharply increase global oil prices and disrupt international energy markets. At the same time, Trump questioned the status of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying uncertainty remains about whether he is still alive following recent military strikes. Reports earlier suggested the Iranian leader may have been injured during attacks targeting leadership sites, while defense officials indicated he could have been wounded during explosions near command facilities.
Despite those reports, Iranian authorities released a written statement attributed to Khamenei earlier this week promising continued resistance against the United States and its allies. Trump dismissed the message and said American forces continue destroying Iran’s military capabilities, claiming U.S. strikes have eliminated many missile systems and drone production facilities. According to the president, military operations will continue until Iran loses the ability to threaten regional stability, meaning Iran’s ceasefire talks remain uncertain while pressure on Tehran continues.
