5. May 2026
Trump Says Iran Wants to Make a Deal, But He’s ‘Not Satisfied With It’
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump said Iran is seeking to negotiate a new agreement but indicated he is unwilling to accept the terms currently under discussion, signaling a harder line as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program persist.
“Iran wants to make a deal, but I’m not satisfied with it,” Trump said in remarks, without detailing the specific provisions he finds unacceptable. His comments come amid renewed international focus on Iran’s nuclear activities and stalled diplomatic efforts to revive or replace prior agreements.
Trump, who withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord during his presidency, has long criticized the deal as too lenient, arguing it failed to permanently curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions or address its ballistic missile program and regional influence. Since then, Iran has expanded uranium enrichment beyond limits set under the agreement, raising concerns among U.S. officials and allies.
While Trump did not outline an alternative framework, his remarks suggest any potential deal under his leadership would demand stricter conditions. Analysts say those could include more intrusive inspections, limits on missile development and broader constraints on Iran’s regional activities.
Iranian officials have repeatedly said they are open to diplomacy but insist that any agreement must include sanctions relief and guarantees that future U.S. administrations will not unilaterally abandon the pact.
The Biden administration had sought to revive the 2015 deal through indirect negotiations, though talks have faced repeated setbacks. The White House has maintained that diplomacy remains the preferred path while also warning of consequences if Iran continues to escalate its nuclear program.
Trump’s comments add a political dimension to the issue ahead of the 2026 election cycle, where foreign policy — particularly regarding Iran — is expected to be a point of contrast between Republicans and Democrats.
It remains unclear whether any near-term breakthrough is possible, as both Washington and Tehran appear divided over key terms, leaving the prospect of a new agreement uncertain.