Trump Doubts Iran Deal, Signals Force Option

(MENAFN- IANS) Washington, May 1 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Friday said that negotiations with the Iranians remain uncertain, warning he is“not satisfied” with current proposals while keeping both diplomacy and military action on the table.

​“They want to make a deal, but I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happens,” Trump told reporters before departing on Marine One.

​He described Iran's leadership as fragmented and unable to reach a consensus.“They all want to make a deal, but they're all messed up,” he said, adding the leadership was“very disjointed” and marked by internal divisions.

​Trump argued that internal discord was weakening Tehran's negotiating position. He said leaders“are not getting along with each other” and“don't know who the leader is”, complicating talks.

​He also claimed Iran's military had been significantly degraded. According to Trump, the country has“no navy”,“no air force”, and limited defence capability following the recent conflict.

​Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic solution.“Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of him and finish him forever, or do we want to try and make a deal?” he said.“I'd prefer not, on a human basis.”

​At the same time, he made clear that military action remained an option if talks fail.“Those are the options,” Trump said, outlining a choice between escalation and negotiation.

​He defended his refusal to seek Congressional authorisation for military steps, saying such approval had“never been sought before” and was viewed by many as“totally unconstitutional”.

​Trump said US military operations had put pressure on Iran.“We're in the midst of a big victory,” he said, arguing that Tehran's weakened position was driving its push for a deal.

​He added that negotiations were ongoing but inconsistent.“They get close, and then a new group of people comes in,” he said, pointing to shifting positions within Iran's leadership.

​Trump also pointed to the impact of the conflict on global energy markets, saying large volumes of oil remain stuck at sea due to disruptions.

​The US has long sought to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions through sanctions and diplomacy. Talks have repeatedly stalled over verification, enrichment limits, and regional security concerns.

​Recent tensions have raised fears of escalation across West Asia, with global energy markets closely tracking developments in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding shipping lanes.

MENAFN01052026000231011071ID1111059764