President Trump announced that Iran is currently in a weak negotiating position as pressure mounts for Tehran to abandon its nuclear pursuits. He emphasized that military options remain viable if negotiations falter.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump criticized the Iranian regime for delaying talks, aiming to gain political advantage post-2026 midterms.
“Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal – so far they haven’t gotten there,” he stated.
Trump stressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations: “Either that or we’ll have to just finish the job.”
The president confirmed that U.S. negotiators like Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are engaging with Iranian officials. However, he pointed out that Iran’s military capabilities have significantly diminished.
“Their Navy has gone, as I’ve said a thousand times, their air force is gone, everything’s gone, and they’re negotiating on fumes,” Trump remarked. “Maybe we have to go back and finish it. Maybe we don’t.”
He described Iran’s economy as in “free fall” and critiqued the regime’s assumption that it could outlast his administration.
“They thought they were going to outwait me,” Trump said. “I don’t care about the midterms.”
“Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I’m doing that for the world. I’m not doing it just for us.”
His statements come as the administration seeks a broader agreement promoting Middle East stability and the enhancement of the Abraham Accords, although Trump refrained from detailing negotiations.
When questioned whether the involvement of more nations in the Abraham Accords could relate to an Iran deal, Trump asserted that the U.S. retains considerable leverage should diplomacy collapse.
“We can make a good deal right now, but maybe not a great deal,” he mentioned.
“If it’s not a great deal when I’m making it, we can make a great deal with this guy right here,” he continued, gesturing towards War Secretary Pete Hegseth. “It’s a lot nastier. Probably wouldn’t go as quickly … but it would be foolproof.”
While asserting that negotiations are progressing relatively well, Trump criticized the previous administration’s nuclear agreement with Iran as “the worst deal,” claiming it set the stage for Tehran to acquire nuclear capabilities.
He also dismissed the notion that the U.S. actively sought regime change in Iran, suggesting that the leadership landscape in Tehran has already evolved significantly due to recent developments.
“We didn’t set out for regime change,” Trump concluded. “But by the fact that we’re dealing with a totally different group of people than we were at the beginning … This is regime change.”
