WASHINGTON D.C. — US President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran has expressed a willingness to negotiate but is not yet prepared to reach an agreement, as the United States and Israel continue military operations targeting Iranian infrastructure.
“They want to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make a deal in my opinion,” Trump told PBS News, emphasizing that the US is “doing very well” in the ongoing campaign against Iran. The president had previously indicated that he was open to talks with Iranian officials but warned that strikes would persist unless Tehran met specific demands from Washington.
Trump provided details about attacks on Kharg Island, Iran’s principal oil export terminal. He said the facility is “out of commission” but stressed that he had deliberately avoided targeting oil pipelines, noting that destroying such infrastructure would take years to repair. “Didn’t even come close,” he said, adding that the US could strike the island again if necessary.
The president also addressed global oil markets, saying that he expects relief in energy prices “as soon as the war is over” and expressed optimism that it would not be a prolonged issue.
The conflict has intensified since February 28, when the US and Israel launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran. The strikes have so far killed over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In addition, fourteen US service members have died since the beginning of the hostilities.
Iran has responded to the US-Israeli offensive with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Tehran has also effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since early March, a vital global shipping corridor through which approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass daily, creating significant disruptions in global energy supply.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the potential for a broader regional conflict. While he maintains that US forces have achieved significant operational success, including the neutralization of key Iranian military facilities, he has repeatedly called for international partners to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz. China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have been invited to participate, though no commitments have yet been confirmed.
The situation on Kharg Island highlights the strategic importance of Iran’s oil export infrastructure. Analysts have noted that the facility handles a significant portion of Iran’s crude exports, and continued attacks could severely impact global oil supply, further straining international energy markets already affected by the conflict.
Trump reiterated that US strikes have been calibrated to minimize long-term damage to global energy infrastructure while maximizing pressure on Iran’s military and political leadership. “We’re going after military facilities, not pipelines,” he said, emphasizing the tactical approach designed to weaken Iran’s capacity to wage war without unnecessarily destabilizing oil markets.
As tensions continue, the US administration faces pressure to balance military objectives with economic and diplomatic considerations. Global energy markets, particularly for oil and gas, have been volatile since the outbreak of hostilities, and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have caused price spikes and raised concerns about supply shortages.
The president’s remarks suggest that while the US remains open to negotiations, military pressure will continue until Iran demonstrates readiness to meet US demands. “We’ve agreed to talk, but strikes will continue if necessary,” Trump said.
With both sides maintaining aggressive postures, the conflict shows little sign of immediate resolution. International observers have warned that continued escalation could threaten broader regional stability, with potential economic, humanitarian, and geopolitical repercussions extending beyond the Middle East.
