Trump Claims Iran in Secret Peace Talks Despite Denials & Escalating Conflict
US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is engaged in peace negotiations, suggesting Iranian officials are hesitant to publicly acknowledge the talks due to fear of retribution from within their own government.
“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to develop a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, given that they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Mr. Trump stated during a dinner with Republican members of Congress. He added, “They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”
The President’s comments followed a denial from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated, “we do not intend to negotiate.” Despite this, Mr. Trump maintained that Iran is being “decimated” in the ongoing conflict, even as Tehran continues to exert control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. Trump criticized domestic opposition, claiming Democrats were attempting to “deflect from all of the tremendous success that we’re having in this military operation.” He also appeared to sidestep the need for congressional approval for the conflict, stating, “They don’t like the word ‘war,’ because you’re supposed to gain approval, so I’ll employ the word military operation.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated earlier that Mr. Trump is prepared to escalate military action against Iran if it does not concede defeat, while simultaneously affirming that negotiations are ongoing. “Talks continue. They are productive,” she said.
Ms. Leavitt declined to identify the individuals representing the US in negotiations following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the subsequent lack of public appearances by his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Reports suggest Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s speaker of parliament, is serving as the primary point of contact for the Trump administration.
The White House also refrained from confirming reports of upcoming talks between US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian representatives in Pakistan, which has emerged as a key mediator in the conflict.
The US is deploying thousands of airborne troops and additional Marines to the Gulf region, raising the possibility of a ground invasion aimed at seizing Iranian oil assets or securing the Strait of Hormuz. The White House continues to estimate the duration of the military operation at four to six weeks, according to Ms. Leavitt.
The conflict has triggered a severe energy shock, causing fuel shortages globally and prompting some governments to consider support measures reminiscent of those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Food Programme estimates that tens of millions more people will face acute hunger if the war extends into June, particularly impacting farmers struggling to secure diesel for their operations.
A 15-point proposal presented by the US to Iran, reportedly delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, calls for the dismantling of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, a halt to enrichment activities, limitations on its ballistic missile program, and a reduction in funding for regional allies, according to sources within the Israeli cabinet familiar with the plan. The White House has declined to publicly detail the proposal, but warned of further escalation if it is rejected.
“If they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Ms. Leavitt told reporters.
Military activity continued across the Gulf, with the Israeli military reporting the completion of strikes targeting infrastructure in multiple locations within Iran, following a previous wave of attacks.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, stated that US forces have targeted over 10,000 sites inside Iran, aiming to diminish Iran’s capacity to project power beyond its borders. He reported that 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels have been destroyed and that the rate of drone and missile launches has decreased by over 90%. According to Admiral Cooper, the US and Israel have damaged or destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards.
The Pentagon is preparing to send additional airborne troops to the Gulf, adding to Marine contingents already en route. The first Marine unit, traveling aboard a large amphibious assault ship, is expected to arrive by the end of the month.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that “the world is staring down the barrel of a wider war” in the region, urging all parties to prioritize diplomatic solutions. “It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder – and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he said at UN headquarters in Modern York.