U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is seeking negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, but stated that Tehran is not yet prepared to accept the conditions required for a deal.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Iranian officials “want to negotiate badly,” but he believes they are still unwilling to meet the necessary terms demanded by Washington.
“They want to negotiate badly, as they should, but I don’t think they’re ready to do what they have to do,” Trump said. “But I think they will be ready at some point.”
Trump also addressed the security of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that countries benefiting from the waterway should take a greater role in protecting it.
According to the president, the United States has supported NATO allies in major international crises, including assistance to Ukraine, and now expects partners to contribute to efforts aimed at securing the strategic maritime route.
“We’re always there for NATO… It’d be interesting to see what country wouldn’t help us with a very small endeavor, which is just keeping the strait open,” Trump said.
He added that the United States would remember which countries support Washington in maintaining security in the region, suggesting that allied cooperation will influence future partnerships.
Trump also argued that many countries have a direct interest in protecting the Strait of Hormuz, since it is the route through which they receive large portions of their energy supplies.
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory,” he said. “It’s the place from which they get their energy and they should come and they should help us protect it.”
At the same time, Trump noted that the United States itself is less dependent on the strait, due to its domestic oil production.
“You could make the case that maybe we shouldn’t even be there at all because we don’t need it. We have a lot of oil,” he said.
Trump also dismissed reports circulating online about Iranian “kamikaze boats” threatening U.S. naval forces, claiming the imagery being shared was fabricated.
“The kamikaze boats don’t exist… some of the people say, ‘Where are the boats?’ You know why? Because it’s AI generated. It’s fake,” he said.
Addressing his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump denied reports of disagreements between the two leaders.
“My relationship with Bibi Netanyahu is extraordinary actually,” he said, adding that the two leaders continue to cooperate closely.
Trump also commented on the situation inside Iran, claiming that public protests are difficult because the government threatens severe punishment against demonstrators.
According to the president, reports of large pro-government rallies supporting Iran’s leadership may have been fabricated, suggesting that some of the imagery circulating online was artificially generated.
He also acknowledged that indirect communication between the United States and Iran is ongoing, though he said negotiations remain uncertain.
“We’re talking to them. But I don’t think they’re ready — but they’re getting pretty close,” Trump said.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Trump said he is not ready to declare victory in the conflict, emphasizing that operations and diplomatic developments are still unfolding.
