United States President Donald Trump has ruled out any immediate negotiations with Iran, despite indications that Tehran is open to talks.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote: “Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said ‘Too Late!’” His comments came just two days after he had signaled willingness to engage in discussions, as joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran intensified.
The statement highlights mixed signals from the administration regarding diplomacy, as the conflict—now in its fourth day—continues to escalate across the Middle East.
The military campaign began on February 28, 2026, with coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s leadership, air defense systems, missile facilities, naval assets, and command centers.
Iranian state media confirmed on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, prompting the declaration of a national mourning period. Several other senior Iranian officials were also reported dead.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases, Israel, and Gulf allies. The strikes reportedly caused damage to infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. military has confirmed that six American service members have been killed since the conflict began.
Trump has described the military operation as a necessary measure to counter Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear ambitions, calling it the “last best chance” to eliminate threats to the United States and its allies.
