President Donald Trump said Iran is “negotiating on fumes” as his administration continues pushing Tehran toward an agreement to end the conflict and prevent the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting roughly three months after the launch of Operation Epic Fury, Trump said Iran “very much” wants a deal but has not yet reached terms acceptable to the United States.
“So far they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it,” Trump said, warning that the U.S. could still “finish the job” if negotiations fail.
Trump argued that Iran’s military and economy have been severely weakened during the conflict.
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He claimed Iran’s navy and air force have been crippled and said the regime is now negotiating from a position of desperation.
“Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Everything’s gone and they’re negotiating on fumes,” Trump said.
The president also said Iran’s economy is in “freefall,” pointing to inflation, a collapsing currency and reports that internet access is being partially restored after a lengthy blackout.
Trump said Iranian leaders believed they could outwait him politically because of the upcoming midterms, but he dismissed that strategy.
“They thought they were going to outwait me,” Trump said. “I don’t care about the midterms.”
Trump framed the conflict as a global security issue, saying Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I’m doing that for the world,” he said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said diplomacy remains the administration’s preferred path, adding that there is still a possible agreement to be made.
Rubio said there had been some progress and that the next several hours and days could determine whether the talks move forward.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s warning, saying the administration is prepared to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon either through negotiations or further military action.
The comments come as talks remain under pressure over sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, uranium restrictions and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has reportedly demanded access to billions in frozen funds as part of any agreement, while the Trump administration continues to insist that Tehran must abandon any path to a nuclear weapon.
For now, the White House is sending two messages at once: diplomacy is still possible, but the military option remains on the table.
Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks show the administration is trying to increase public pressure on Iran while keeping negotiations alive. By saying Iran is “negotiating on fumes,” Trump is signaling that he believes the regime is weakened and may be forced to accept stronger U.S. terms.
What Comes Next
The next phase of talks could determine whether the U.S. and Iran move toward a formal agreement or return to military escalation. Rubio said diplomacy remains possible, but Trump and Hegseth both warned that the U.S. is prepared to act again if negotiations fail.
Trump on Iran: “They want very much to make a deal. So far, they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be — either that or we’ll have to just finish the job… They’re negotiating on fumes, but we’ll see what happens.” pic.twitter.com/qkATULJIaU
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 27, 2026
