US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iranians are skilled negotiators, but stressed that he is not certain he wants to reach an agreement to end the war.
He claimed that Iran is “begging” for a deal, not him, adding that Iranian officials are in talks with the United States.
At the same time, Trump warned Tehran that it must reach an agreement or face the continuation of US military action.
He asserted that the military operation in Iran is “excellent” and ahead of schedule. In recent days, the US President has repeatedly referred to ongoing negotiations with Iran — claims that the Islamic Republic has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, there are “strong indications” that Iran wants to reach an agreement with the United States to end the war, US envoy Steve Witkoff said.
Tehran 'interested in deal'
The United States has sent Tehran, via the government of Pakistan acting as a mediator in the crisis, a “15-point action plan” as a basis for negotiations, Witkoff confirmed during a cabinet meeting at the White House, noting that there are signs Tehran is interested in a deal. “We have strong indications that suggest this is possible,” he added.
At the same time, the United States confirmed the death of the commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, following an Israeli strike, according to a post by United States Central Command on X.
Earlier, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the military had “eliminated” Alireza Tangsiri and “other senior officials” of the Iranian navy.