Trump: Iran is 'out of control' but desperately wants a deal

U.S. President Trump said on Wednesday (8th) while returning to Washington aboard Air Force One that "Iran just called, and they are very desperate to make a deal. But I don't know if they deserve to make a deal anymore."

Trump stated, "The U.S. has already won militarily; Iran has nothing left."

When asked why Iran continues attacking commercial ships if they are so eager for an agreement, Trump replied that Iran is out of control: "But they are very desperate to make a deal."

His remarks came shortly after U.S. forces completed a series of military strikes against Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that on July 7, in retaliation for Iran violating a ceasefire and attacking three commercial vessels, U.S. forces struck approximately 80 military targets inside Iran, including over 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Trump emphasized that Iran's dwindling resources are precisely why they are urgently seeking negotiations.

In response to escalating tensions, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, asserting a "20-to-1" retaliation principle: "For every strike they make against us, we will respond 20 times over." He noted that U.S. forces had already inflicted heavy damage the previous night and are prepared to make such strikes routine if Iran continues its provocations. Trump also joked that he remains at the top of Iran's threat list, with threats persisting.

The current military conflict has now spread across the Gulf region. Reports indicate explosions in Iran's Bandar Abbas port, while Gulf nations including Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait have sounded alarms due to retaliatory strikes from Iran.

While Trump claims Iran wants to negotiate, he acknowledged uncertainty about whether both sides will return to full-scale conflict, stating, "I don't know if they'll uphold the agreement—that's the problem. "