Iran has not agreed to deal to end war because they are 'strong and proud': Trump

US President Donald Trump has said Iran has not agreed to a deal to end the ongoing conflict because its leaders are "strong" and "proud," but insisted they will eventually have "no choice" but to reach an agreement with Washington.

Speaking to NBC News' Meet the Press yesterday (6 June), Trump said Iranian officials are being forced into positions "they never thought they'd be doing," adding that negotiations are "taking a little while."

"They're strong, they're proud… they've got no choice," Trump said during the interview in Wisconsin.

His remarks come as US and Iranian officials continue talks aimed at ending a conflict now in its fourth month.

A ceasefire agreement reached in April has been extended several times, but recent incidents have strained the fragile calm.

Tensions reportedly escalated in recent days after exchanges of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas.

Earlier disruptions in the strait have already contributed to rising global energy prices and concern among Western policymakers.

Iran had previously restricted or disrupted access to the waterway during the escalation phase of the conflict, adding pressure on international energy markets.

US military stance

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that recent US military activity under what the administration calls "Operation Epic Fury" had concluded. He described the strikes as defensive, saying they were carried out in response to Iranian attacks on maritime targets in the Gulf region.

Rubio said US forces acted only after provocation, arguing that Washington's actions were aimed at protecting American personnel and shipping lanes. He added that US strikes targeted drone operators and launch infrastructure linked to attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Wider impact and escalation risks

The conflict has had wider regional and economic consequences, particularly due to disruptions in one of the world's most important energy corridors. Rising oil and gas prices have added pressure on global markets and US domestic politics.

Iran, meanwhile, has continued to demonstrate missile and drone capability despite sustained US and Israeli strikes on its military infrastructure. Reports of attacks across the Persian Gulf earlier this week, including incidents near Kuwait International Airport, highlight that its operational capacity has not been fully degraded.

Trump's framing of the conflict

Trump defended the pace of US action, saying critics are unfairly demanding rapid results. He compared the situation to long-running conflicts such as the Vietnam War, arguing that the current timeline is still early.

"These people have been fighting for 47 years," he said, referring to Iran's leadership. He also claimed US operations have significantly weakened Iran's military infrastructure, including missile production and drone facilities, though he acknowledged that some capability remains.

Despite the escalation, Trump suggested a diplomatic resolution is still possible, while also warning that alternative options remain under consideration if negotiations fail.