WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a candid interview with CNBC on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared his latest outlook on diplomatic negotiations with Iran, saying he remains confident that Washington will ultimately reach a favorable agreement with Tehran even as he ruled out extending the current temporary ceasefire, which is set to expire this Wednesday.
When discussing the shifting landscape of Iran’s leadership, Trump argued that the removal of the country’s top former figures has created an unexpected shift in the negotiation dynamic. “We’ve taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,” he told the business news network. Trump also suggested that Iran has little alternative but to reach a negotiated settlement with the United States, adding “I think they have no choice.”
Pressed on whether he would consider extending the current truce to create more time for diplomatic dialogue, Trump offered a definitive rejection of the idea, saying “Well, I don’t want to do that.” The comment comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the clock ticking down on the temporary ceasefire that has paused active military clashes between the two sides in recent weeks. The rejection of an extension has left regional observers watching closely to see whether diplomatic progress can be achieved before the truce lapses, or whether active hostilities will resume after Wednesday.