US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran is “begging to make a deal,” not the United States, as he updated his cabinet on ongoing US military operations in the Middle East.
Speaking at the White House, Trump detailed strikes against Iranian military sites, drones, missiles, and factories, describing the operations as “way ahead of schedule” and claiming Iran’s navy and air force have been decisively neutralized.
“They are lousy fighters but great negotiators,” Trump said.
“They are begging to work out a deal. I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that. I don’t know if we’re willing to do that. They should have done it four weeks ago, two years ago.”
Trump criticized Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, calling them “sick” and accusing the regime of seeking regional domination.
He also blamed previous US administrations for enabling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Highlighting US military effectiveness, Trump said, “Every single bomb hit its mark and just obliterated that place… They would have had a nuclear weapon and would have used it without question.”
He claimed US forces have destroyed 154 Iranian ships and significantly reduced drug trafficking through maritime routes.
Trump emphasized that Iran now faces a “disaster” and that the decision to negotiate rests with the regime. “They now have a chance to make a deal, but that’s up to them,” he said.
He also criticized NATO and allies for limited involvement, asserting that the US acted decisively to prevent nuclear proliferation and secure the region.
The president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing scrutiny of US-Iran relations.
