By Tgnews Reporter
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is secretly eager for a peace deal but is too frightened to admit it publicly, fearing assassination by its own hardliners or US forces.
The assertion came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flatly denied any intention to negotiate, stating “we do not intend to negotiate.”
Speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s annual fundraising dinner at Union Station in Washington, DC on Wednesday evening, Trump told Republican lawmakers:
“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”
Trump’s comments were made against the backdrop of a conflict now entering its fourth week, during which he has repeatedly described Iran as being “decimated,” despite Tehran maintaining control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.
The US leader also took aim at domestic critics, accusing Democrats of trying to “deflect from all of the tremendous success that we’re having in this military operation.”
In a jab at calls for congressional approval, he added: “They don’t like the word ‘war,’ because you’re supposed to get approval, so I’ll use the word military operation.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced Trump’s position earlier in the day, stating that negotiations remain active and productive.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt told reporters.
“President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”
When asked whether talks had stalled, Leavitt replied: “Talks continue. They are productive.”
She declined to specify the US interlocutors in Tehran following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen publicly.
Reports suggest the Trump administration may be engaging with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker.
Leavitt also refused to confirm reports that senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, could meet Iranian representatives in Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a key mediator.
The Trump administration is reportedly accelerating military reinforcements, moving thousands of airborne troops and additional marines to the Gulf region. Speculation is growing that Washington could launch a ground operation aimed at securing Iranian oil assets or the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House has maintained a four-to-six-week timeline for the conflict. Leavitt noted: “We’ve always estimated approximately four to six weeks (for the length of military operations against Iran), so you could do the math on that.”
Trump also announced that his postponed visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping has been rescheduled for mid-May.
Iranian state media earlier reported that Tehran responded “negatively” to a US-proposed 15-point peace plan.
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