President Donald Trump said he believes that Iran is desperate for a deal with the United States despite Tehran’s recent show of force.
Speaking Monday, Trump said Iran’s military vulnerabilities appeared to have left it in a weakened position, making negotiations more appealing than confrontation. “Iran is very concerned. Iran is very frightened, to be honest with you, because their defense is pretty much gone,” Trump said.
Why It Matters
Iran’s military capabilities remain a central issue in escalating tensions with Israel and the United States. While Tehran has demonstrated its missile strength in recent weeks with high-profile tests and military exercises, its air defense vulnerabilities raise questions about its ability to counter air attacks.
With Israel openly discussing the possibility of a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the situation remains highly volatile. Meanwhile, Tehran’s leaders continue to project defiance, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning against negotiations with Washington, calling them “unwise, unintelligent, and not honorable.”
Iranian demonstrators march next to a domestically-built missile during a rally commemorating anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and brought Islamic clerics to power, in Tehran, Iran,…
Iranian demonstrators march next to a domestically-built missile during a rally commemorating anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the late pro-U.S. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and brought Islamic clerics to power, in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
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Vahid Salemi/AP Photo
What to Know
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said that Iran is scrambling to restore its defensive capabilities but remains exposed.”Maybe they are trying to get new defense as we speak, but their defense is largely gone,” he said. The president’s remarks come after reports that Israeli strikes destroyed Iran’s last three Russian-provided S-300 air defense systems in October.
Diplomacy First
Israeli officials have repeatedly signaled that military action against Iran’s nuclear program remains an option. Trump, however, has emphasized diplomacy over military escalation. “Everybody thinks Israel, with our help or our approval, will go in and bomb the hell out of them,” Trump said. “I would prefer that not happen. I’d much rather see a deal with Iran where we can do a deal, supervise, check it, inspect it.”
Despite this, Iranian officials have so far rejected negotiation under Trump’s revived “maximum pressure” strategy, saying they will not “surrender.”
In this photo provided Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, by the Iranian Army, tanks move forward during a drill in northeastern Iran.
In this photo provided Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, by the Iranian Army, tanks move forward during a drill in northeastern Iran.
Iranian Army/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump said: “Iran is very nervous. I think they’re scared. I think Iran would love to make a deal, and I would love to make a deal with them without bombing them.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a statement on Telegram said: “Iran does not want to negotiate with a country that is simultaneously imposing new sanctions.”
What Happens Next
With Iran continuing its missile tests and military posturing, tensions remain high. Whether or not Tehran seeks a diplomatic resolution, its strategic position appears increasingly fragile.