Trump Denies Desperation for Iran Deal, Claims Tehran 'Begging'

President Trump insists Iran is the one eager to reach an agreement amid ongoing indirect talks.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:47pm

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President Donald Trump on Thursday denied being "desperate" to make a deal with Iran, insisting instead that Tehran is "begging to make a deal" to end the ongoing conflict. Trump revealed that the "very big present" from Iran he referenced earlier this week was 10 oil tankers being allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which he said was a sign that talks were progressing. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that the U.S. had presented Iran with a 15-point framework for a peace deal, though Iran's initial response was that the proposal was "one-sided and unfair."

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have escalated into a military conflict, raising concerns about the potential for further regional instability and the possibility of a broader war. The negotiations represent an effort to find a diplomatic off-ramp, though the two sides appear to have significant differences over the terms of any potential agreement.

The details

According to the report, the U.S. has presented Iran with a 15-point framework for a peace deal, which is said to address Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as maritime routes. However, Iran's initial response through intermediaries was that the proposal was "one-sided and unfair." The administration is now ramping up pressure on Iran to agree to a diplomatic solution, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warning that "President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell." The negotiations involve several key administration officials, including White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

  • On March 26, 2026, President Trump spoke about the negotiations during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.
  • On March 27, 2026, President Trump announced he was postponing major attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure for 5 days, until April 6, 2026, due to "very strong talks."
  • Hours later on March 27, 2026, President Trump posted on social media that he was pushing the deadline to April 6, 2026 at 8 P.M. Eastern Time.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who is leading the negotiations with Iran.

Steve Witkoff

The White House special envoy involved in the negotiations with Iran.

Jared Kushner

A senior advisor to President Trump who is participating in the negotiations with Iran.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States, who emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon during the Cabinet meeting.

Marco Rubio

The Secretary of State, who is also involved in the negotiations with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, I read a story today that I'm desperate to make a deal. I'm not. I'm the opposite of desperate, I don't care ... In fact, we have other targets we want to hit before we leave. We're hitting them on a daily basis.”

— President Donald Trump

“I can say this, we will see where things lead and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction. We have strong signs that this is a possibility, and if a deal happens, it will be great for the country of Iran, for the entire region and the world at large.”

— Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy

“President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

What’s next

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The takeaway

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