Donald Trump Says US Not Ready to Make Deal to End War with Iran | BBC News

BBC News
BBC NewsMar 15, 2026

Why It Matters

The escalation threatens global oil supply routes and could trigger sharp energy price spikes, forcing markets and policymakers to reassess Middle‑East risk exposure.

Key Takeaways

  • Israel conducted wide‑scale strikes on western Iran.
  • Iran and Israel exchanged missile and drone attacks overnight.
  • Trump says Iran seeks deal, but terms unacceptable.
  • US claims to have demolished Kharg Island oil hub.
  • UK eyes options to reopen Strait of Hormuz.

Pulse Analysis

The latest Israeli bombardment of western Iran marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has long simmered beneath the surface of regional politics. Tehran’s rapid retaliation with missile and drone launches underscores a tit‑for‑tat dynamic that risks spiraling into broader confrontation. Both sides are leveraging precision strikes to signal resolve while avoiding full‑scale war, a pattern that keeps neighboring Gulf states on high alert and complicates diplomatic de‑escalation efforts.

President Donald Trump’s remarks add another layer of complexity. By stating that Iran is willing to negotiate but that the United States finds the proposed terms inadequate, the administration signals a willingness to maintain pressure while keeping diplomatic channels loosely open. The claim of having "totally demolished" Kharg Island—a critical node in Iran’s oil export infrastructure—serves both as a deterrent and a bargaining chip. Yet the admission that further strikes could occur "just for fun" raises questions about the predictability of U.S. military policy and its impact on global energy markets.

For the international community, the immediate concern is the security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s petroleum passes. Britain’s energy secretary’s call for any viable option to reopen the waterway reflects the urgency of preserving trade flows. Prolonged disruptions could push oil prices higher, strain supply chains, and force nations to reconsider energy diversification strategies. Diplomatic initiatives, possibly involving multilateral security guarantees, will be essential to prevent a localized clash from reshaping the global energy landscape.

Original Description

Israel launched "wide-scale" strikes on targets in western Iran, the Israeli military has said.
Iran and Israel traded strikes overnight, while missile and drone interceptions have been reported in Gulf states.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Iran wants to make a deal to end the war, but he doesn't want to yet "because the terms are not good enough".
In an interview with NBC, Trump added the US has "totally demolished" Kharg Island - Iran's critical oil export hub - but that "we may hit it a few more times just for fun".
Elsewhere, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that "any option that can get the Strait of Hormuz reopened is being looked at" after the US called for countries to help secure the shipping lane.
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