Trump says US may be ‘better off not making a deal at all’ with Iran during Palm Beach speech

THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Iran during a public address, suggesting the United States could be better off avoiding any agreement with Tehran altogether.

Speaking at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches on Friday, May 1, Trump said ongoing discussions were not producing acceptable outcomes and hinted at walking away from the negotiating table.

“I'm so busy with the Iranians calling, trying to make a good deal, but we're not gonna let that happen,” he said.

Trump says US may walk away from Iran deal amid ongoing negotiations

Trump added that any potential agreement would need to heavily favor US interests, or not happen at all.

“They've gotta make a bad deal, if they make a deal at all, because frankly maybe we're better off not making a deal at all if you want to know the truth, because we can't let this thing go on,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Trump told reporters he was not satisfied with Iran’s latest proposal but did not go into details.

“They’re asking for things I can’t agree to,” he said outside the White House.

Trump claims Iran hostilities have ended in congressional letters

In separate letters sent to the House and Senate, Trump asserted that the Iran conflict had effectively concluded under his administration.

“On April 7, 2026, I ordered a two-week ceasefire. The ceasefire has since been extended. There has been no exchange of fire between the United States Forces and Iran since April 7, 2026. The hostilities that began on February 28, 2026, have terminated,” he wrote.

He added that despite the end of active conflict, risks remain.

“Despite the success of United States operations against the Iranian regime and continued efforts to secure a lasting peace, the threat posed by Iran to the United States and our Armed Forces remains significant,” he said.

Expert disputes Trump claim that Iran war has ended

Michael Glennon, professor of constitutional and international law at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, pushed back on the administration’s framing of events.

“The hostilities are continuing as a consequence of the administration’s enforcement of the blockade. That’s not a ceasefire. It’s not a suspension of hostilities,” he told NBC News.

He added that the situation cannot be considered resolved.

“If the ceasefire were a genuine and comprehensive ceasefire that involved a cessation of hostilities, which to say if the war ended, of course, the clock would stop. But the war has not ended,” Glennon said.