Trump Voices Dissatisfaction with Iran Negotiations
US President Donald Trump declares he remains unsatisfied with Tehran’s proposed deals and hints that skipping an agreement might serve US interests better. “They want to make a deal, I’m not satisfied with it, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters on Friday night. At an event in Florida, he added, “I’m so busy with the Iranians calling trying to make a good deal and we’re not going to let that happen. They’ve got to make a bad deal. Maybe we’re better off not making a deal at all.”
Declaration Ends Formal Hostilities, Bypasses Deadline
Trump sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday, stating that hostilities starting February 28 have concluded. This move avoids a 60-day congressional approval deadline for continuing the conflict. “Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant,” the letter notes.
US Military Action Likened to Pirates
Trump compared US forces to “pirates” during the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship attempting to evade the Strait of Hormuz blockade. “We took over the cargo. Took over the oil, a very profitable business. Who would have thought we were doing that were like pirates,” he said. “We’re sort of like pirates. But we’re not playing games.”
Challenges in Iran’s Leadership
Addressing a Florida crowd, Trump described Iran as the “only country” where no one seeks leadership. “The only country in the world no nobody wants to be a leader. You know, they say, they say, ‘would anybody like to be president?’ And there are no takers,” he remarked. Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian leading since 2024, Trump noted US strikes eliminated multiple leadership tiers, complicating negotiations: “That’s the problem because we are trying to figure out the right one to talk to.”
Firm Stance Against Iranian Nuclear Weapons
“You cannot give Iran a nuclear weapon,” Trump warned a Florida audience. “They would use it on a place called Israel very quickly, and they would use it in the Middle East, and they’d use it in Europe. And I guess we’d be next.”
Saudi Alcohol Shortages Amid War Disruptions
Riyadh’s sole official alcohol outlet faces shortages of beer, wine, and tequila due to Iran war delays. Opened in 2024 for diplomats and expanded for expatriates, the unnamed shop in the diplomatic district offers limited expensive brands. Visitors report bare shelves, with one anonymous Western diplomat noting no white wine, few high-end reds, and random beer shipments. Saudi Arabia maintains its 1952 alcohol ban but permits this licensed exception to attract expatriates.
Dealing with ‘Brutal’ Iranian Figures
At the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Trump called Iran’s people “brutal” despite the country’s appeal, joking about leadership vacancies post-US attacks.
No NATO Support in Iran Conflict
Trump criticized NATO for providing “zero” assistance. “We got no help from Nato. We got no help – zero – from Nato. You know, we spend trillions of dollars on Nato, and we got no help,” he said during a Florida visit. “We didn’t need it. But we got none.” This follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s order for 5,000 troops to depart German bases.
Claims of US Losses Deemed ‘Treasonous’
At a Florida rally, Trump labeled suggestions of US setbacks as “treasonous.” “We get the radical left to say, ‘We’re not winning, we’re not winning.’ They don’t have any military left. It’s unbelievable. It’s actually, it’s actually, I believe it’s treasonous, okay. You want to know the truth – it’s treasonous,” he told supporters.
China Urges Ceasefire Maintenance
China’s UN ambassador Fu Cong stresses maintaining the Iran ceasefire as urgent, calling for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran needs to lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, and the US needs to lift its naval blockade,” he said. “The most urgent issue is to keep the ceasefire. And the ceasefire needs to last, and there has to be a good-faith negotiation between the two sides.” Fu expects the issue to feature in Trump’s upcoming China visit if unresolved and denies US claims of China-Iran military ties. Foreign Minister Wang Yi chairs a UN Security Council session on May 26.
US Commits to Long-Term Resolution
Trump vows no early withdrawal from the Iran confrontation to prevent recurrence. “We will not leave early and then have the problem arise in three more years.”
64th Day Briefing: Key Iran War Updates
- Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Iran deals and questions pursuing any agreement.
- Pentagon estimates $4.8 billion in Iranian oil revenue losses from Strait of Hormuz blockade.
- China’s UN envoy prioritizes ceasefire and anticipates Hormuz talks during Trump’s Beijing trip.
- Trump reiterates lack of NATO aid in the conflict.
