President Donald Trump pushed back against media reports suggesting he is eager to strike a deal and exit the conflict with Iran, declaring during a Cabinet meeting on March 26, 2026, that he is the opposite of desperate. Trump criticized coverage from outlets including the Wall Street Journal for portraying him as anxious to negotiate an end to Operation Epic Fury while Iranian forces face ongoing strikes.
“I read a story today that I’m desperate to make a deal,” Trump said. “If I’m desperate, he would be the first to know. I’m the opposite of desperate. I don’t care. In fact we have other targets we want to hit before we leave. We are hitting them on a daily basis.”
Trump: I read a story today that I'm desperate to make a deal. I'm not. If I was desperate, he'd be the first to know. Pete, let's get the hell out of there. I'm the opposite of desperate. I don't care. In fact, we have other targets we want to hit before we leave. pic.twitter.com/gNUV0uVSxn
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 26, 2026
Trump’s remarks came as U.S. forces under Central Command continue daily operations that began on February 28, 2026. The campaign has targeted Iranian command centers, missile sites, naval assets, and weapons production facilities, resulting in the destruction of more than 9,000 targets through over 9,000 combat flights and the damage or destruction of more than 140 Iranian vessels. The operation also eliminated Iran’s supreme leader and over 40 top leaders.
Trump argued that Iran, not the United States, is the party seeking a swift resolution after suffering severe military losses, including the near-total elimination of its navy and air force capabilities. He emphasized that the U.S. maintains the upper hand and is under no pressure to conclude the mission prematurely, instead continuing targeted strikes while assessing further objectives.