U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects Washington to reach what he called a “great deal” with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, even as he signaled reluctance to extend a ceasefire due to expire on Wednesday.
Speaking in an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump expressed optimism about the outcome of renewed diplomatic efforts but cast doubt on the immediate extension of the truce that has temporarily halted fighting.
“I think we’re going to end up with a great deal with Iran,” Trump said. “I think they have no choice.”
The president suggested that recent U.S. military actions had significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities, describing damage to its armed forces and leadership structure.
“We’ve taken out their navy, we’ve taken out their air force, we’ve taken out their leaders,” he said, without providing operational details.
Trump added that the conflict had already produced political consequences inside Iran, framing the situation as one of shifting internal dynamics.
“It does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,” he said. “It is regime change, no matter what you want to call it, which is not something I said I was going to do, but I’ve done it indirectly.”
The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following weeks of hostilities that have disrupted global energy markets, trade routes, and investor sentiment. Oil prices have surged in recent days amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global crude exports.
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Trump indicated that he does not expect the ceasefire to be extended beyond its scheduled expiry, despite ongoing diplomatic activity.
Asked whether he would prolong the truce to allow more time for negotiations, he replied: “Well, I don’t want to do that.”
The remarks suggest uncertainty over the immediate trajectory of talks between Washington and Tehran, even as both sides signal openness to a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict.
The U.S. administration has not publicly detailed the terms under discussion, but officials have previously indicated that negotiations are focused on security guarantees, regional de-escalation, and limits on military escalation.
Iranian authorities have not yet formally responded to Trump’s latest comments. However, officials in Tehran have repeatedly insisted that any agreement would need to respect Iran’s sovereignty and security interests.
The conflict has already had wide-ranging economic consequences, contributing to volatility in global markets and increasing pressure on oil-importing economies. Analysts say continued instability could further strain supply chains and elevate inflationary pressures worldwide.
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Trump’s comments also come as allied governments monitor the situation closely, with concerns that renewed fighting could expand regionally or disrupt international shipping.
Despite the uncertainty, the U.S. president struck an optimistic tone about the prospects for diplomacy, insisting that a resolution remains within reach.
“I think we’re going to have something very good,” he said, without offering a timeline for any potential agreement.
The ceasefire’s expiration on Wednesday now marks a critical juncture for both diplomatic efforts and military developments, with markets and governments watching closely for signals of escalation or renewed negotiations.
