US President Donald Trump has attributed Iran's reluctance to agree to a peace deal to its leaders' 'strength' and 'pride'. The comments came as the war between the US and Iran entered its fourth month, with both sides exchanging military action over the weekend.
Trump claimed Iranian leaders were struggling to accept their new reality after months of conflict, saying they had 'no choice' but to negotiate. He also argued that Iran's leadership was finding it difficult to adjust to the setbacks it has suffered during the conflict.
The comments came as efforts to secure a broader peace agreement appeared to be making little progress. Washington and Tehran have been engaged in indirect negotiations aimed at securing an interim agreement that would halt the fighting while leaving more contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear programme, for future talks.
Tehran is seeking access to billions of dollars in oil revenues, sanctions relief on crude exports, an end to the US blockade on its ports and leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively blocked the strategic waterway during the conflict, disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.
Fighting continues as talks remain stuck, with the US military striking Iranian coastal radar sites and Iran retaliating with ballistic missiles targeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
