President Donald J. Trump outlined uncompromising U.S. demands in negotiations with Iran during his April 12, 2026, interview on Sunday Morning Futures, insisting on the complete elimination of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and full compliance on security issues. He made clear that partial agreements would not suffice after weeks of military pressure under Operation Epic Fury.
“I want everything. I don’t want 90%. I don’t want 95%. I told them I want everything,” Trump said. “They have no cards. Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Totally gone. They have nothing. They have no ships. 158 ships are at the bottom of the sea.” His comments followed the breakdown of 21-hour talks in Islamabad led by Vice President JD Vance.
.@POTUS: "They haven't left the bargaining table. I predict they come back, and they give us everything we want—and I told my people, I want everything. I don't want 90%, I don't want 95%. I told them, I want everything. They have no cards." pic.twitter.com/LeGu9z6weO
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 12, 2026
The failed negotiations, which covered issues beyond the nuclear program, stalled primarily because Iran refused to abandon its weapons ambitions. Vance described the U.S. proposal as its “final and best” offer, emphasizing flexibility on other matters but firmness on core demands for verifiable and permanent disarmament of nuclear capabilities.
Vance: But we just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms. We weren't able to make any headway. pic.twitter.com/dkFLK85y9l
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 12, 2026
Trump noted that recent Iranian leadership changes—following the elimination of supreme leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials—had produced negotiators he viewed as sharper than previous figures, yet still unwilling to concede on the nuclear issue. He pointed to the destruction of Iran’s military infrastructure, including command centers and weapons production, as leaving Tehran with no leverage.
The president predicted Iran would ultimately return to the table and accept full terms, warning that failure to do so would invite further decisive action. The stance aligns with the administration’s goal of ensuring Iran never acquires nuclear weapons while leveraging America’s demonstrated military superiority.