US President Donald Trump
Trump claims Iran is ‘desperate’ for deal
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US President Trump claims Iran is "desperate" for a deal.
- Trump redefined the conflict as a "special military operation", not a war and was long overdue.
- Despite the hostilities, Trump says he does not mind the Iranian national team competing in the 2026 World Cup.
US President Donald Trump delivered a series of high-stakes declarations on Thursday, signaling both a firm military stance and an openness to high-level diplomacy with Tehran.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, the President claimed that the Iranian leadership is now "desperate" to reach a new agreement as the weight of US pressure begins to paralyze the regime’s strategic options.
"Iran is desperate to reach a deal," Trump asserted, reiterating his administration's primary objective: "We cannot allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon."
"Long overdue operation"
In a significant rhetorical shift, Trump pushed back against critics who have labeled the current escalation a "war." Instead, he characterized the ongoing strikes and naval blockade as a focused "military operation."
"I don't call what is happening against Iran a war, but rather a military operation," US President said. He added that the decision to strike was a strategic necessity that had been delayed by previous administrations, stating, "The military operation against Iran should have been launched a long time ago."
No objections to the World Cup
In a move that surprised some diplomatic observers, the President took a softer tone regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting.
Despite the "Roaring Lion" military campaign and his own administration’s travel restrictions, Trump signaled that the Iranian national team is welcome to compete.
"I don't mind the Iranian team participating in the World Cup, and I'm not worried about that," Trump noted. His comments align with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s earlier confirmation that "Team Melli" will play their scheduled group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle this June.
