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Trump Says Iran Secretly Wants Deal but Fears Admitting It
Trump says Iran wants a deal but fears internal backlash, contradicting Tehran’s stance as U.S. officials warn of intensified military action.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed Iran is actively negotiating but too fearful to admit it publicly, suggesting internal reprisals are driving Tehran’s denials.
“They are negotiating… and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump told Republican lawmakers.
“They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”
The assertion directly contradicts Iran’s official stance, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declaring that “we do not intend to negotiate.”
Trump also described Iran as being “decimated” as the war enters its fourth week, even as the country continues to exert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil flows.
At home, Trump lashed out at Democrats, accusing them of trying to “deflect” from what he called military success. He dismissed criticism over congressional approval, quipping: “They don’t like the word ‘war’… so I’ll use the word military operation.”
The White House reinforced Trump’s hardline stance, warning of severe escalation if Iran does not concede.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality… President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell.”
Despite the rhetoric, Leavitt insisted that diplomacy remains active: “Talks continue. They are productive.”
Iranian media reported that Tehran had already rejected a U.S. 15-point proposal, describing its response as “negative.”
Uncertainty surrounds who is representing Iran in backchannel discussions following reports of the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. One possible intermediary is parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
The U.S. is simultaneously ramping up military pressure, deploying additional airborne forces and Marines to the Gulf. The buildup has fueled speculation about a potential ground invasion aimed at oil infrastructure or control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Leavitt reiterated the administration’s projected timeline of four to six weeks for the conflict.
Trump, meanwhile, confirmed that his delayed trip to China to meet Xi Jinping will now take place in mid-May, after being postponed due to the crisis.
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