"Iran wants a deal, but I am not ready because the current terms are not good enough," US President Donald Trump told NBC News on 14/3, adding that any agreement must be "very solid."

When questioned about the potential terms of a ceasefire agreement with Iran, the US president declined to elaborate, stating, "I don't want to disclose that." However, he conceded that Iran's commitment to abandoning its nuclear ambitions would be a component.

Trump's comments followed a Reuters report that his administration had set aside efforts to advance ceasefire negotiations. Iran has not confirmed the US president's assertion that it "expressed willingness to negotiate."

President Trump had previously issued several demands to Iran, including that Tehran abandon its nuclear ambitions, restrict its ballistic missile program, and suggested Washington desired influence in the selection of Iran's Supreme Leader.

US President Donald Trump at an event in Kentucky on 11/3. *Photo: AFP*

Trump also questioned whether Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was still alive, noting his absence. "If he is alive, he needs to do something wise for the country, which is to surrender," the US president said, adding that reports of Mojtaba Khamenei's death were "rumors" and unsubstantiated.

Iran's Foreign Minister affirmed the same day that there was "no issue with the new leader" and that Mojtaba Khamenei was still fulfilling his constitutional duties.

When asked if there was a specific individual in Iran Trump wanted to see assume the Supreme Leader position, the US president declined to answer directly, stating, "We have people who are alive, and they will be great leaders for the future of this nation."

During the nearly 30-minute interview, Trump also addressed other topics, including the decision to temporarily ease some sanctions on Russian oil. "I want the world to have oil. I want oil," Trump said, indicating that the sanctions, originally imposed in 2022, "will be reinstated immediately upon the crisis's conclusion."

Asked about Ukraine's potential assistance in the Middle East conflict, Trump stated that President Volodymyr Zelensky was "the last person we need to ask."

Mojtaba Khamenei at an event in Tehran, Iran in 10/2024. *Photo: AFP*

The Ukrainian president had previously offered to assist the US in countering Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drawing on his country's military experience against Russian UAVs. Zelensky stated on 11/3 that Ukraine was dispatching expert teams to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to share expertise.

The conflict with Iran has extended into its third week with no immediate end in sight. The clashes have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries across numerous Middle Eastern countries, obstructed the Strait of Hormuz, and disrupted the global economy.

Israel declared the war with Iran "is escalating" and entering a decisive phase, potentially prolonging if necessary. Iran warned on 14/3 that it would employ upgraded weaponry, particularly more powerful missiles, in retaliatory strikes.

Duc Trung (Based on NBC News, CNN, AP)