Trump warns Iran 'we're your worst nightmare' as US walks back deal willingness

'They are begging to work out a deal. I don't know if we'll be able to do that. I don't know if we're willing to do that', President Trump said
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has cast doubt on the likelihood of a negotiated settlement with Iran, suggesting the United States may no longer be willing to pursue a peace deal

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, March 26, Trump indicated that while Iran may be seeking talks, Washington’s position remains uncertain.

His remarks come amid ongoing tensions and continued military activity. Officials have said diplomatic channels remain under consideration, though no agreement has been reached.

Rescue workers and first responders work at a residential building hit in an earlier U.S.-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Rescue workers and first responders work at a residential building hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 23, 2026 (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Trump questions viability of Iran deal and signals possible shift

During remarks at the White House, Trump suggested that the prospect of a peace agreement may be diminishing, despite his earlier statements indicating that negotiations were possible.

“They are begging to work out a deal,” Trump said. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that. I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

He pushed back on reports that his administration was eager to secure a diplomatic resolution, instead asserting that Iranian leaders had sought to re-engage in talks.

At the same time, Trump described Iran’s negotiators in measured terms, saying, “They’re not fools. They’re very smart, actually in a certain way,” and characterizing them as “great negotiators.”

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 25: U.S. President Donald Trump attends the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump was this year's keynote speaker at the dinner. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump attends the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

However, he suggested that the window for reaching an agreement may be closing. “They should have done that four weeks ago,” Trump said, indicating that delays could affect the possibility of a deal.

US warns of continued military action and declines to detail strategy

Trump also reiterated calls for Iran to abandon its nuclear program, framing it as a condition for any potential change in US policy.

“But they now have the chance, that is, Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to chart a new path forward,” he said.

“We’ll see if they want to do it. If they don’t, we’re their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away, unimpeded, unstopped,” he added.

Donald Trump speaks at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Donald Trump speaks at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) annual fundraising dinner, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Union Station in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The president declined to provide specifics when asked whether the United States would attempt to secure uranium inside Iran, dismissing the question as inappropriate given the circumstances.

“And let’s assume I was or I wasn’t. Why would I ever answer a question?” Trump said.

“What kind of a question…'Oh, yeah, we’re going in tomorrow at 3 o’clock,'” Trump quipped. “How could you possibly ask a question like that, with an expected answer? It’s just such a ridiculous question,” he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson attend the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Trump was this year's keynote speaker at the dinner. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson attend the National Republican Congressional Committee's annual fundraising dinner at Union Station on March 25, 2026, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between military and diplomatic approaches as the situation develops.

While US officials have not ruled out negotiations, the administration has continued to emphasize pressure on Iran, including the possibility of sustained military operations if key conditions are not met.

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