15.03.2026 06:00
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the recent attacks on Iran, stating, "We completely destroyed Hark Island, but we could hit it a few more times just for fun." Trump, who said, "Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to do it yet because the conditions aren't good enough," also noted that he does not know whether Iran's religious leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, is alive, calling on him, "If he is alive, he should do something smart for his country, and that is to surrender."
U.S. President Donald Trump made statements regarding current issues in a phone interview with NBC. Stating that he does not want to make a deal with Iran under the current circumstances, Trump said, "Iran wants to make a deal, and I do not want to do this yet because the conditions are not good enough." Trump expressed that the conditions for a possible agreement must be "very solid."
"WE HAVE NEUTRALIZED MISSILES AND DRONES"
Reiterating the claim that they have largely destroyed Iran's defense capabilities, Trump said, "We have neutralized most of their missiles. We have neutralized most of their drones. We have largely halted missile and drone production. They will be completely destroyed within two days." Trump stated that U.S. allies in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have acted "wonderfully" and have been "unnecessarily targeted," describing Iran's targeting of Middle Eastern countries as "the biggest surprise in this event."
"MANY COUNTRIES HAVE PROMISED TO HELP ENSURE THE SECURITY OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ"
Trump noted that many countries have promised to help ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz but refrained from naming any countries. Trump said, "Not only did they promise, but they also think it is a great idea."
Conveying that it is uncertain whether Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated, "We will scan the Strait very strongly. We believe that other countries whose access to oil is somehow blocked, or blocked in different situations, will join us." When asked whether the U.S. Navy would start escorting ships passing through the strait, Trump avoided giving a definitive answer, simply saying, "It's possible."
"WE HAVE COMPLETELY DESTROYED HARK ISLAND"
Regarding the recent attacks by the U.S. on Hark Island, which is critical for Iran, Trump said, "We have completely destroyed Hark Island, but we might hit it a few more times just for fun." Trump reminded, "But as you know, I did not do anything to the energy infrastructure because rebuilding it would take years."
"IF KHAMENEI IS ALIVE, HE SHOULD DO SOMETHING SMART FOR HIS COUNTRY"
Regarding the health status of Iran's religious leader, Muqtada Khamenei, Trump commented, "I don't even know if he is alive. So far, no one has been able to show him." Trump conveyed that there are "rumors" that Khamenei is not alive, stating, "If he is alive, he should do something very smart for his country, which is to surrender." When asked if he has any names he would like to see as Iran's religious leader, Trump avoided giving a definitive answer, saying, "There are living people who could be great leaders for the future of the country." When asked if he is in contact with any of these names, Trump replied, "I don't want to say that. I don't want to put them in danger."
"OIL PRICES WILL FALL"
Trump also addressed concerns about rising oil prices following the Iran war. Suggesting that oil prices will fall shortly after the war in Iran ends, Trump said, "I think prices will go down even lower than they were before. I expect a record drop. There is a lot of oil and gas in the market. But you know, there is a bit of congestion. This congestion will pass very soon." When asked if rising oil prices would affect the midterm elections, Trump responded, "I am not worried at all," adding, "All I want is to make sure that Iran can never again be the bully of the Middle East." Regarding the decision to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil due to the increase in global oil prices, Trump said, "I want oil for the world. I want oil." Trump stated that the sanctions imposed on Russia would "return as soon as the crisis is over."
"THE LAST PERSON WE WILL ASK FOR HELP IS ZELENSKY"
Criticizing Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky regarding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said, "I was surprised that Zelensky does not want to make a deal. Tell Zelensky to make a deal because Putin is ready to make a deal. It is much harder to make a deal with Zelensky."
Trump evaluated Zelensky's offer for help in blocking Iranian drones to U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East, saying, "We do not need help. The last person we will ask for help is Zelensky."
Regarding claims that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran about the positions of U.S. forces, Trump commented, "Russia may be providing information, or maybe not." Trump noted that the U.S. has done something similar against Russia, stating that his country has "provided some information to Ukraine and is trying to establish peace between the two countries."