Intro: Trump says even Iran’s surrender would be portrayed by Democrats and media as US defeat.
Washington DC
For three months, President Donald Trump has been deeply involved in discussions around the Iran conflict, including planning military actions, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and shifting statements on ceasefire and naval moves.
But on Monday, after several days of negotiations with Iranian officials through intermediaries on a preliminary agreement, Trump said the situation was starting to get very boring. He said he does not care if talks end, adding he could not care less if negotiations collapse between the two sides.
His comments come even as gasoline prices have risen since the conflict began, raising concerns among businesses and policymakers in the United States. Reports also suggest Republican leaders are watching the war’s unpopularity among voters ahead of upcoming elections.
In recent weeks, Trump has also shown indifference toward several political issues with long-term consequences, including elections and economic pressures facing Americans. Despite this, he continues to shift between threats, claims of progress, and criticism of Iran’s actions in public statements. Just hours before his remark, he had posted that negotiations were continuing at a rapid pace with Iran’s government.
He earlier predicted a quick end to the conflict, but shifting statements have raised doubts about US policy consistency toward Iran. Analysts say the conflict has impacted global energy markets, raising oil prices and fueling debate in the US.
Trump on Monday said that even in a scenario where Iran fully surrenders militarily, political opponents and the media would still misrepresent the outcome. He described a hypothetical situation in which Iran’s navy and air force are destroyed, its military leaves Tehran, and its leadership signs formal surrender documents acknowledging defeat to the United States. Trump claimed that even under such conditions, critics would portray Iran as having won a “brilliant victory” over America. He also attacked Democrats and several media organisations, accusing them of distorting facts and losing credibility.
At the same time, Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Tehran, saying discussions to extend the truce and restore key maritime routes could lead to progress within a week. He noted that final approval of an agreement is still pending as some issues remain unresolved. Earlier, he had said talks were moving at a rapid pace, despite recent exchanges of fire that have strained the fragile ceasefire between the two sides. These renewed clashes have raised concerns that the truce could collapse, even as diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries.