U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Iranian leadership on Monday evening following conflicting statements regarding the status of direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The exchange came just hours after the White House ordered the last minute cancellation of a planned military operation targeting Iranian facilities, which regional observers described as a potential turning point in the ongoing regional war.
Addressing the dispute on Truth Social, President Trump responded directly to assertions by Iranian officials that no direct bilateral talks were occurring.
"The Iranian leadership is two faced beyond belief! They request a meeting, some would say 'begging,' talks begin and they say, openly and proudly, that nothing is being discussed," Trump wrote in his statement.
The public disagreement followed statements made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who clarified that Tehran was only engaging in localized discussions mediated through Oman. Baghaei stated that the objective of their regional contacts was to protect national interests and manage a temporary shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump rejected Tehran's characterization of maritime control, emphasizing that the waterway remains under the protection of the U.S. Navy.
"They give their usual spin by saying Hormuz will be operated with strength by them, when it is already under the control of the U.S. Navy," Trump stated, adding that "there will be an agreement regarding Hormuz, and afterward there will be an agreement on the nuclear issue, or as I call it, the denuclearization of Iran."
During conversations with reporters on Air Force One, President Trump revealed that a planned military action was halted following direct requests from regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
"It was supposed to be a massive strike. When our partners asked to stop it, you have to say, 'let's see,'" Trump remarked, noting that regional allies urged a delay to allow diplomatic efforts a chance to succeed.
The President emphasized that while his preference remains a negotiated settlement, military action remains a viable alternative.
"I am not looking to kill people. People die in wars, and a lot of people die, we do not want that," Trump stated, while reiterating that nothing will be granted to Iran without a comprehensive deal or total surrender.
