WASHINGTON DC — United States President Donald Trump has declared that Iran has been “totally defeated” and is seeking a deal to end the three-week war, but insisted he will not accept any agreement because it would be negotiated with the “same regime” that launched attacks on American forces .
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, Trump claimed total victory in the conflict that began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei .
“Iran is totally defeated. They want a deal. They want to make a deal. But I won’t accept. Because they want to make a deal with me, but it’s the same regime. How can you make a deal with the same regime that’s been so hostile?” Trump said .
The president’s remarks come amid reports of backchannel communications between Washington and Tehran, facilitated by regional intermediaries . However, Trump’s uncompromising stance suggests the conflict may continue despite Iranian signals of willingness to negotiate .
‘Nothing Left to Bomb’
Trump reiterated his position that there is “nothing left to bomb” in Iran after weeks of intensive US-Israeli airstrikes targeting military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and leadership positions.
“They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place,” Trump claimed.
Despite these assertions, Iranian forces have continued launching missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, striking near Dubai International Airport and targeting commercial vessels, effectively closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz to shipping .
Conflicting Signals
Trump’s declaration of total victory and refusal to negotiate contradicts earlier statements suggesting the war could end “soon” and his admission that the regime “will fall, but maybe not immediately” . The conflicting messages have created uncertainty among allies and adversaries about the administration’s endgame.
Earlier this week, Trump warned that the U.S. would strike Iran “much harder” if it blocks oil exports from the region, while also suggesting he would consider letting the war end.
Regional Fallout
The conflict has killed over 1,300 Iranians, displaced more than 800,000 families in Lebanon where Hezbollah has been drawn into fighting, and cost the U.S. over $11 billion in the first six days alone . At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed, with around 140 wounded.
Global oil markets remain volatile, with prices surging past $100 per barrel on fears of prolonged disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes daily.
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed retaliation and rejected any negotiations under what Tehran terms “duress”.
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