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JUST IN: In a new interview, President Donald Trump acknowledged the resilience of the Iranian people under the pressure of Operation Epic Fury, stating he respects them for withstanding “tremendous pain,” while asserting that Iranian leaders are “better at negotiating than fighting” and suggesting Tehran is eager for a deal to end the war.
By Reflecto News Staff
April 2, 2026
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump offered a mix of acknowledgment and pressure in comments to TIME magazine, praising the toughness of Iranians while urging them toward negotiations. “They are very tough. They’re able to withstand tremendous pain,” Trump said. “So I respect them for that. The fact is, I think they’re better negotiators than they are fighters.”
Trump added that Iran appears “eager” to reach a deal, questioning why Tehran has not contacted Washington more directly despite heavy damage from U.S.-Israeli strikes, including the recent shutdown of Mobarakeh Steel Company and destruction of infrastructure such as the B1 Bridge in Karaj.
Trump’s Comments in Full Context
In the interview, Trump portrayed the U.S. position as dominant after more than a month of Operation Epic Fury, claiming significant degradation of Iranian military capabilities. He described negotiations as “pretty easy” from America’s standpoint and expressed puzzlement that Iran has not been more forthcoming publicly, even as back-channel messages continue.
This marks a notable rhetorical shift: combining respect for Iranian endurance with a backhanded compliment on their negotiating skills, while maintaining that the U.S. holds the upper hand militarily.
Ongoing Military and Economic Pressure
Trump’s remarks come as:
- U.S. forces continue strikes, with President Trump having vowed just days ago to hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next 2–3 weeks.
- Iran’s largest steel producer, Mobarakeh Steel Company, announced a complete shutdown of all production lines due to repeated airstrikes causing heavy damage.
- The IRGC claimed responsibility for an attack on an Amazon cloud center in Bahrain as retaliation.
- Iran’s army chief warned that “no enemy soldier will survive” any ground invasion.
On the economic front, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz persist despite Iran and Oman drafting a joint protocol for safe navigation. Brent crude prices have surged amid the uncertainty, while Gulf states accelerate bypass pipeline routes.
Iranian Reactions Expected
Iranian officials have consistently rejected ultimatums. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned Trump to “change his approach,” stating “no one can set deadlines for us.” President Masoud Pezeshkian has repeatedly messaged that Iran “harbors no enmity towards ordinary Americans,” distinguishing civilians from government policy.
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reported in good health, with officials promising a possible public appearance to project resilience.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The comments coincide with:
- The UK hosting a virtual meeting of around 35 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Germany urging China to use its influence to push Iran toward negotiations.
- U.S. intelligence assessments indicating Iran remains unwilling to engage in serious talks at present.
Implications
Trump’s statement appears designed to combine psychological pressure with an opening for diplomacy. By acknowledging Iranian toughness while emphasizing their supposed preference for negotiation, he signals both respect for their endurance and confidence in U.S. leverage.
Whether this rhetoric leads to concrete progress in indirect talks or hardens Iranian resolve amid ongoing strikes and economic damage remains to be seen. The coming weeks — which Trump has flagged for intensified action — will test if military pressure translates into diplomatic breakthroughs.
Reflecto News will monitor any official Iranian response, updates from the UK-hosted meeting, further developments in Operation Epic Fury, and impacts on global energy markets and Iranian industry.
Related Coverage on Reflecto News:
- Mobarakeh Steel Company Shuts Down All Production Lines After Strikes
- President Trump Vows to Hit Iran “Extremely Hard” Over Next 2–3 Weeks
- Iran Army Chief Warns No Enemy Soldier Will Survive Ground Invasion
- UK Hosts Meeting of 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
- Germany Urges China to Push Iran Toward Negotiations
- IRGC Claims Responsibility for Attack on Amazon Cloud Center in Bahrain
This report is based on President Trump’s interview with TIME magazine and cross-verified with ongoing coverage of the 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict.
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