US not ready to seek deal to end war with Iran, Donald Trump says
US not ready to seek deal to end war with Iran, Donald Trump says
Donald Trump claimed the United States is not prepared to pursue a ceasefire agreement with Iran, emphasizing that while Tehran has shown interest in talks, the U.S. will continue its military actions to secure more favorable conditions. His remarks coincided with Iran’s recent missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf nations and Israel, as well as intensified air assaults by Israeli and American forces on Iranian territories.
Regional Impact and Escalation
The conflict has thrown the Middle East into disarray, destabilizing global air travel and hindering oil exports. This disruption has driven worldwide fuel prices higher, creating economic strain across regions. Despite the rising death toll and soaring energy costs, neither Iran nor the U.S. has signaled a willingness to ease tensions, with both sides maintaining a hardened stance on the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump stated, suggesting the U.S. might target Kharg Island again “just for fun” following Friday’s strikes on its key oil infrastructure.
Strategic Moves and Leadership Dynamics
Trump, speaking to NBC News on Saturday, hinted at further operations near the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to secure safe passage for oil shipments. He cast doubt on Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, questioning his control over the situation. While Iran acknowledged Khamenei’s injury during the initial strike on February 28, they described his condition as minor, contrasting with the 1,300 casualties reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military launched new strikes in western Iran after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards labeled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a criminal. In Tehran, daily life appeared relatively normal, with traffic and some businesses resuming operations ahead of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. However, disruptions persisted, as seen in the partial shutdown of Bank Melli’s online services.
Diplomatic Efforts and Casualties
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, sought to temper the situation, urging other nations to avoid actions that could escalate the war. He told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Iran remains open to proposals ensuring a full end to hostilities. Turkish officials have also reported ongoing mediation efforts with neighboring countries to reduce tensions, though progress remains unclear.
Amid these developments, violence continued in Iraq, prompting the U.S. to advise its citizens to evacuate as pro-Iranian groups targeted embassy facilities and military bases. Over 600 ships are reportedly stranded in the Red Sea, and up to 3.2 million Iranians have been displaced, according to the UN refugee agency. The war has claimed the lives of 223 women and 202 children, according to Iranian health ministry data.