Trump Iran deal terms not good enough, according to United States President Donald Trump, who said Washington may carry out more strikes on Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island. His remarks came as tensions in the region continued to rise during the third week of fighting.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said Iran had shown interest in negotiations. However, he stressed that the proposed terms were still unacceptable to Washington.
The US president did not provide full details of the conditions. But he said any possible agreement would require Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions.
Trump also said the United States had already carried out major strikes on Kharg Island. He claimed the attacks had destroyed many facilities linked to Iranian oil exports.
According to Trump, additional strikes could still happen if tensions continue. He also dismissed fears about global oil prices, saying there is enough supply in international markets.
The US leader added that several countries had agreed to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. However, he refused to publicly name those countries.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping route where nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes every day. Any disruption there could have serious effects on the global economy.
Meanwhile, Iran rejected calls for a ceasefire. Officials in Tehran said talks would only be possible if US and Israeli air attacks stop.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several US bases in the region. The group described the strikes as retaliation for casualties inside Iran.
Regional tensions also spread to other Gulf countries. Authorities in Riyadh reported intercepting several drones, while a drone incident disrupted operations at an energy hub in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
Washington also advised American citizens to leave Iraq after a missile strike targeted the US embassy in Baghdad.
Since air strikes began on February 28 by the United States and Israel, reports from governments and state media say more than 2,000 people have died, most of them in Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the country is ready to cooperate with regional states to investigate attacks on civilian areas. He also denied speculation about the health of Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
As the conflict enters its third week, both sides appear to be preparing for a longer confrontation. Military activity across the Middle East continues, while diplomatic efforts to end the crisis remain uncertain.
