Trump warns of resumed strikes as US remains unsatisfied with Iran deal terms

US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is not yet satisfied with the terms of the ongoing negotiations with Iran, warning that military strikes will resume if a diplomatic resolution is not reached. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump stated that while he believes Tehran is "very much intent" on securing an agreement, the two sides have not yet bridged their differences.

"We're not satisfied with it, but we will be," Trump said. "Either that or we'll have to just finish the job." The president described the Iranian negotiating position as operating on "fumes," asserting that Iran has "no choice" but to conclude a deal. These comments follow a period of heightened tension, including US strikes on southern Iranian missile sites and vessels on Monday, which Washington characterised as self-defence measures against threats posed by Iranian forces.

The remarks came shortly after Iranian state television reported details of a draft agreement, which purportedly included the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the withdrawal of US forces from the region. The White House swiftly dismissed the report as a "complete fabrication." Trump further clarified that "nobody" would exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz and insisted it would open "immediately," while denying reports that he was considering easing American sanctions on Tehran or allowing Russia and China to remove Iran's highly enriched uranium.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided a measured assessment of the diplomatic efforts, noting there had been "some progress and some interest" in the negotiations. However, Rubio offered no specific details regarding outstanding disagreements, stating only that officials would assess the situation over the coming hours and days. Both Trump and Rubio refrained from addressing the specific terms of the purported Iranian draft, which also claimed the US would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

The diplomatic stalemate occurs against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire agreed on 8 April, which has largely been observed but recently tested by mutual accusations of violations. The conflict, which began with wide-ranging strikes by the US and Israel on 28 February, has seen Iran respond by attacking Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and sending global oil prices soaring. Despite the cessation of hostilities, talks to resolve the three-month conflict have stalled, with Tehran cautioning that a deal is not imminent.