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Trump says Iran is begging for a deal, calling it lousy fighters but great negotiators, while casting doubt on whether the US is willing to engage as war continues.
Donald Trump chairs his second Cabinet meeting of the year, the first since the US entered the war with Iran.
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2026 20:42 IST
US President Donald Trump described Iran as “lousy fighters but great negotiators,” claiming Tehran is pushing for talks even as he questioned whether the United States is willing to strike a deal.
Speaking at the start of a Cabinet meeting, his first since the US entered the war with Iran, Trump pushed back against reports that Washington was eager for a diplomatic resolution, insisting instead that the pressure is coming from Tehran.
“They’re begging to make a deal, not me,” Trump said, adding that it is Iran, not the United States, that is seeking to reopen negotiations as the conflict stretches into its fourth week.
Trump offered a blunt assessment of Iranian leadership, combining criticism with a grudging acknowledgement of their negotiating ability. “Anybody would know they’re talking,” he said. “They’re not fools, they’re very smart actually in a certain way. And they’re great negotiators. I say they’re lousy fighters but they’re great negotiators.”
LMFAO! President Trump just ROASTED Iran with this absolute banger:
"I say they're lousy fighters but great negotiators. They're BEGGING to work out a deal!"
Trump is calling it exactly like it is — the regime is getting crushed militarily, and now they’re desperate to pic.twitter.com/bRPjKi0TS7— The Patriot Oasis (@ThePatriotOasis) March 26, 2026
The remark reflects a familiar tone from Trump, dismissive of Iran’s military strength while emphasising its tactical skill at the bargaining table.
However, Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations are currently underway, maintaining that no formal talks have been initiated despite ongoing backchannel speculation.
Even as Trump insisted Iran is seeking a deal, he signaled uncertainty over whether Washington is prepared to engage. “They are begging to work out a deal,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that. I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”
The comments highlight a lack of clarity over the US position, with the administration appearing to balance military pressure with the possibility, but not the commitment, of diplomacy.
Trump also suggested that Iran may have missed its opportunity. “They should have done that four weeks ago,” he said, indicating that earlier chances for negotiations may no longer be on the table.
Trump's remarks came alongside a broader set of statements that touched on both foreign and domestic issues. Trump criticized Nato allies for not joining the conflict and urged congressional Republicans to take aggressive legislative steps, while also blaming Democrats for a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
- Ends
Published By:
Jitendra Verma
Published On:
Mar 26, 2026 20:42 IST
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