US President Donald Trump said Saturday he is not ready to strike a deal with Iran.
Trump indicated that any potential agreement “aren’t good enough yet,” declining to specify what terms would be required for negotiation.
He told NBC News in a phone interview that Iran wants a deal, but he will hold back until conditions improve.
A key component, he suggested, would likely involve a commitment from Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and ambitions abroad.
Trump expressed surprise at Iran’s attacks on other nations responding to US-Israeli military actions, framing them as unexpected escalations.
He described American strikes on Kharg Island as having “totally demolished” the majority of the island’s military installations.
Trump added, in a remark blending strategy and bravado, that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”
In a Truth Social post, he said many nations affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz will send warships.
He named China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as potential partners in keeping the strait open and secure.
Addressing the Strait of Hormuz during the interview, Trump said it remains unclear whether Iran has deployed mines in the strategic waterway.
He added the United States will conduct strong sweeping operations and expects cooperation from other countries to ensure maritime safety.
Trump did not confirm whether the US Navy would escort commercial vessels, stating only that such an operation “is possible” at this time.
The president’s remarks underline rising tensions in the Middle East and highlight ongoing uncertainty over the United States’ approach to Iran.