WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday offered a glimpse into the evolving U.S. strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran, signaling a reluctance to finalize a peace deal despite overtures from Tehran and outlining plans to secure the critical Strait of Hormuz. The comments came during a nearly 30-minute telephone interview with NBC News.
Trump stated that Iran “wants to make a deal,” but he is holding firm, asserting that “the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He declined to elaborate on specific demands, though acknowledged a complete abandonment of Iran’s nuclear ambitions would be a key component. Reuters reported Friday that the Trump administration had previously rebuffed efforts to initiate ceasefire talks.
The conflict, which began last month with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has seen escalating tensions in the region. Thirteen U.S. service members have died since the operation began, including six crew members killed Friday when a military refueling plane crashed in Iraq.
Amid surging global oil prices, Trump revealed a collaborative effort with unnamed countries to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane. He indicated several nations had pledged support, echoing a Truth Social post Saturday morning stating that “Many Countries…will be sending War Ships…to keep the Strait open and safe.” He specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK as potential contributors. Iran has threatened to close the strait and push for higher oil prices.
Trump downplayed concerns about rising gas prices in the U.S., which have jumped from an average of $2.94 a gallon on March 1 to $3.66 on Saturday, according to GasBuddy. He predicted prices would fall once the conflict concludes.
The president also raised questions about the health of Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, noting he has yet to appear publicly since assuming the role. “I don’t know if he’s even alive,” Trump said.
Strikes carried out by U.S. forces on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil terminal, were described by Trump as having “totally demolished” the island, though he suggested further strikes were possible. U.S. Central Command had previously stated the strikes were “precision strikes” designed to preserve oil infrastructure.
In a surprising turn, Trump also weighed in on the war in Ukraine, criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “far more difficult to make a deal with” than Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also defended his recent decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil, stating, “I want to have oil for the world.” The move has drawn criticism from some international leaders.
Trump also suggested, without providing specifics, that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran, while claiming the U.S. is providing information to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy offered assistance to the U.S. and its allies in intercepting Iranian drones, drawing a sharp rebuke from Trump, who stated, “The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy.” An Iranian politician responded by labeling Ukraine a “legitimate and lawful target.”
