Trump Says Iran ‘Afraid’ to Admit It Wants a Deal, Tehran Says No Negotiations

The Straits Times
The Straits TimesMar 26, 2026

Why It Matters

Trump’s unfounded claims could deepen diplomatic deadlock and shape market expectations, affecting both regional stability and U.S. foreign‑policy options.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump claims Iran secretly wants nuclear deal imminently
  • He says Iran fears retaliation from its own people
  • President frames Iran as a cancer that must be removed
  • Trump asserts U.S. actions averted oil price spikes
  • No evidence presented; rhetoric escalates diplomatic tensions significantly

Summary

President Donald Trump used a recent interview to argue that Iran is secretly desperate for a nuclear deal, but fears both domestic backlash and U.S. retaliation. He portrayed Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as a "cancer" that the United States must excise, suggesting that the administration’s pressure prevented a surge in oil prices and a dip in the stock market.

The remarks offered no concrete intelligence or diplomatic documentation, relying instead on sweeping assertions that Iran’s leadership is terrified of being killed by its own citizens or by American forces. Trump also invoked personal sacrifice, describing his Middle‑East trip as an "excursion into hell" that he undertook because previous presidents lacked the "guts" to confront the threat.

Notable soundbites included, "We’re winning so big," and "We’ve cut out the cancer," underscoring a narrative of decisive, unilateral action. He dismissed any Iranian willingness to negotiate, claiming the regime would rather appoint a new supreme leader than accept a deal.

The statements risk inflaming already fragile U.S.–Iran relations, complicating back‑channel diplomacy and potentially influencing market sentiment despite the president’s claim that energy prices remained stable. Analysts warn that such rhetoric, absent verifiable evidence, may harden Tehran’s stance and limit future negotiation pathways.

Original Description

Addressing the National Republican Congressional Committee fundraising dinner on March 25, US President Donald Trump said leaders in Iran are "negotiating but they're afraid to say it". READ MORE: https://str.sg/KUNp
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