Trump Declares US Not Ready for Deal to End Ongoing Iran Conflict

President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is not prepared to enter into negotiations for a deal to conclude the current war with Iran, emphasizing that the proposed terms from Tehran are insufficient. In a recent interview with NBC News, Trump highlighted Iran's eagerness for a ceasefire but asserted his reluctance to commit under current conditions.

The conflict, which escalated on February 28, 2026, with joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, has resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous officials. These attacks have led to Iran retaliating by targeting energy infrastructure and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, causing global oil prices to surge by 40-50% and prompting major economies to release strategic oil reserves.

"Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet," Trump told NBC News, adding that U.S. forces would intensify operations along the Iranian coast to secure oil shipping routes. He further described Iran as "totally defeated" and urged allies, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain, to deploy naval assets to protect tankers in the Gulf.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied any ongoing discussions with the U.S., contradicting Trump's claims and stating that Tehran has no interest in talks. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have threatened further escalations, including targeting Israeli leadership, amid reports of new missile and drone attacks in Gulf Arab states.

The war, now in its third week, has drawn international concern over regional stability and global energy supplies. Trump expressed optimism that Iran is nearing readiness for better terms but maintained that the U.S. would not settle prematurely.