Trump Says He Won’t Negotiate With Iran as U.S. Strikes Continue

Former President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox News, reiterated his refusal to pursue a cease-fire or diplomatic deal with Iran amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes that began in February. He dismissed the notion of immediate negotiations, hinted at the possibility of a ground campaign, and addressed U.S. targeting of Iran’s oil infrastructure, specifically Kharg Island.

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The conflict escalated after the United States accused Iran of breaching a memorandum of understanding by attacking oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran countered that the agreement obliges vessels to travel through Iranian territorial waters. In response, the U.S. resumed a blockade of Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman and conducted airstrikes on strategic sites, including a prior strike on Kharg Island, a key oil hub.

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Trump told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that he “doesn’t want to negotiate now” and that a recent “deal” had already been reached three days earlier. He suggested that a ground operation might be necessary, adding that “other people” could conduct such a campaign on behalf of the United States. When asked about future actions against Kharg Island, Trump declined to provide specifics, noting that revealing plans would be “foolish.” He reiterated that U.S. strikes have deliberately avoided the island’s oil facilities to protect the global economy, though he left open the possibility of future targeting.

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Commentators have described Trump’s remarks as “unhinged” and warned that his rhetoric could further inflame tensions without offering a clear path to de-escalation. Critics argue that refusing negotiations while maintaining military pressure risks prolonging the conflict and destabilizing regional oil markets.

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• “I don’t want to negotiate now, I said ‘let’s not negotiate,’” — Donald Trump

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• “Three days ago, we had a deal,” — Donald Trump

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• “Sometimes you need a ground campaign,” — Donald Trump

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• “I can’t say that to you because if I did, it would be foolish,” — Donald Trump

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• “I said, ’Hit everything but the oil,” — Donald Trump

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• “Just leave that little area from 25 yards out. Leave that little area, don’t touch the oil. Because I don’t want that in terms of the world economy. You know, it’s a chunk of the world economy, so we haven’t hit that. But, at some point we could, but I think it’s unlikely.” — Donald Trump

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