President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest peace proposal during a high-stakes Cabinet meeting, asserting that the U.S. holds significant leverage in ongoing negotiations. Trump stated that Iran is 'negotiating on fumes' and that the regime believed it could outwait his administration. He emphasized that Iran's military capabilities have been severely diminished, claiming that the country's navy and air force are 'gone.'
Trump also ruled out transferring Iran's highly enriched uranium to Russia or China as part of any potential deal. He declared that the U.S. would not ease sanctions or provide financial relief to Iran until the country 'behaves properly.' The president warned that the U.S. would either finalize a satisfactory agreement or 'finish the job,' hinting at further military action if necessary.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. is committed to giving diplomacy 'every chance to succeed,' though Trump reiterated that no concessions would be made regarding sanctions or control over the Strait of Hormuz. The president also joked about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him 'Secretary of War Pete Hegseth' and noting that Hegseth 'loves war.'
Trump's remarks come amid ongoing efforts to end the three-month-old war in the Middle East, with oil prices fluctuating due to the conflict's impact on global energy supplies.