Iran War Highlights: Trump Says No Deal Yet

President Donald Trump has said he is not prepared to negotiate a peace deal with Iran despite signals from Tehran that it may be open to talks.
Speaking during a lengthy phone interview with NBC News, Trump stated that the conditions proposed so far are insufficient.

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” he said, adding that any agreement must be “very solid.”

Although he declined to disclose the details of potential negotiations, the US president indicated that Iran abandoning its nuclear ambitions completely would likely be a central demand.

The remarks come amid an intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has triggered instability across the Middle East and rattled global energy markets.

Military Operations Intensify

The conflict began weeks ago when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded with attacks on Israeli positions and US-linked facilities in nearby countries.

Trump said recent US strikes targeted the strategic Iranian oil export hub on Kharg Island.
According to him, the attacks “totally demolished” much of the site, though he said energy infrastructure itself was intentionally spared.

“We’ve totally decimated it,” Trump said, while suggesting further strikes could still take place.

The conflict has also resulted in casualties. At least 13 active US service members have died since the fighting began, including six personnel who were killed after a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq.

Focus On Securing The Strait Of Hormuz

Amid rising global oil prices, Trump revealed he is working with several countries to secure the critical shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz.

The narrow waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most important energy corridors in the world.
Iranian leaders have threatened to block the strait in retaliation for Western military operations.

Trump said several nations had expressed willingness to help keep the passage open, although he did not confirm which countries had formally joined the effort.

He also said the US military would conduct strong security sweeps in the area to ensure oil shipments continue moving through the route.

Questions Over Iran’s New Supreme Leader

Trump also raised doubts about the status of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Khamenei assumed leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in earlier strikes.

However, Trump questioned whether the younger Khamenei was even alive, noting that he has not appeared publicly since assuming power.

“I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far nobody’s been able to show him,” Trump said, describing reports of his death as unconfirmed rumors.
US officials have also suggested the new leader may have been injured during the conflict.

Regional Tensions Continue To Spread

The conflict is increasingly affecting other countries across the Middle East.

Trump said Iran had launched drone strikes toward several regional states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“I was very surprised,” the president said about Iran targeting additional countries.

Drone attacks have reportedly targeted infrastructure and strategic locations across the region.

In one of the most alarming incidents, a drone reportedly crashed within the grounds of Dubai International Airport, forcing a temporary suspension of flights while authorities assessed the situation.
No casualties were immediately confirmed.

The airport is among the busiest in the world and serves as a key global transit hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa.

Global Oil Markets And Energy Concerns

The escalating conflict has contributed to sharp volatility in global energy markets.

Trump acknowledged that oil prices have risen since the start of the conflict but dismissed concerns that higher fuel prices could hurt the US economy or upcoming elections.
“I’m not concerned at all,” he said, predicting that prices would fall once the war ends.

Average US gasoline prices have already risen from about $2.94 per gallon in early March to around $3.66, according to market trackers.

The administration has also temporarily eased some sanctions on Russian oil exports in an effort to stabilize global supply during the crisis.

Tensions With Ukraine And Russia

During the interview, Trump also criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming he has been more difficult to negotiate with than Vladimir Putin regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The US president said he was surprised Kyiv had not moved more quickly toward a peace agreement with Moscow.
“Zelenskyy is far more difficult to make a deal with,” Trump said.

He also acknowledged the possibility that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran, though he said such reports remain uncertain.

International Response To Hormuz Security Efforts

Despite calls from Washington for global cooperation to protect shipping routes, some countries have been cautious.

Japan said it is not currently considering sending naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is reportedly exploring the deployment of minesweeping drones rather than warships to avoid escalating the conflict further.

Australia has also confirmed it will not contribute naval vessels at this stage.

Growing Security Crackdown Inside Iran

Within Iran, authorities have launched a wide security crackdown amid fears of espionage.

Iranian police say more than 500 people have been arrested on suspicion of sharing sensitive information with foreign governments or documenting military strike locations.

Several suspects were reportedly detained for providing intelligence on Iranian military facilities to Israel.

A Conflict With Global Consequences

The widening conflict is raising concerns about regional stability, global oil supply, and international security.

With major energy routes under threat and military operations continuing, analysts warn that the crisis could have lasting economic and geopolitical consequences far beyond the Middle East.

For now, Trump says the priority remains preventing Iran from becoming a dominant force in the region.

“The only thing I want to do,” he said, “is make sure that Iran can never be the bully of the Middle East again.”