'Do not believe a word they say’: Michael Flynn warns Trump over Iran negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC: Retired Lt Gen Michael Flynn, one of President Donald Trump’s longtime allies, urged him to abandon ongoing negotiations with Iran on Sunday, May 24, warning that Tehran could not be trusted.

Flynn’s comments added to growing criticism from some figures within Trump’s political base, even as the administration signaled that progress was being made toward a broader understanding with Tehran. The White House continues discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing tensions after months of conflict and economic disruption linked to the war involving Iran.

Michael Flynn warns Trump against trusting Tehran

In a lengthy post directed at Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Flynn accused Iran’s leadership of deceiving American negotiators and cautioned the administration against entering into any agreement without major concessions from Tehran.

“Dear Mr. Trump, the regime in Iran is lying to you and your negotiators. Period, stop,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Do not believe a word they say.”

Flynn, who served briefly as Trump’s national security advisor during his first term and later received a presidential pardon, said he understood the desire to end the conflict but argued that Iran’s regional influence and apparent backing of militant groups remained a major concern.

“I know you want to get out of this mess. All Americans want this unnecessary war to end,” he further wrote. 

However, he argued that any deal would be ineffective unless Iran’s support networks involving militants were dismantled. Flynn also referenced reports surrounding a possible financial component tied to the negotiations, warning against providing Tehran with access to large sums of money.

“No nukes in Iran may be a noble idea,” Flynn wrote, “but the regime has blatantly lied to our faces before. Why do you now believe they will tell you the truth?”

Michael Flynn demands Iran apologize for deaths of US service members  

He also called on Iran to publicly apologize for the deaths of American service members before any agreement moves forward, writing, “How about getting them to first publicly apologize for killing American soldiers and US Marines many times over, especially on this Memorial Day weekend.”

Flynn concluded his remarks by invoking Trump’s reputation as a negotiator. “The art of the deal tells you to do that from time to time,” he wrote. “Now may be that time.” His intervention follows criticism from other Trump allies, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who have voiced skepticism over reports of a possible agreement with Tehran.

Trump announced on Saturday that an agreement with Iran had been “largely negotiated,” though officials later clarified that discussions remained ongoing and implementation details were still being finalized.

The proposed arrangement is expected to include steps aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route that has faced disruption during the conflict. Prolonged instability in the region has contributed to rising fuel prices and broader economic concerns.