“THEY WANT TO MAKE A DEAL”: Trump Claims Iranian Negotiators are “Terribly Afraid”
WASHINGTON / ISLAMABAD — In a characteristic blend of high-stakes pressure and diplomatic signaling, President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday, March 26, 2026, that Iran is actively negotiating through backchannels and “wants to make a deal so badly.”
Speaking at a Republican dinner, Trump asserted that the Iranian leadership—whom he described as “scared people”—are only holding out because they fear the domestic consequences of admitting defeat.
The “Fear” Factor: Trump’s Assessment
The President’s remarks suggest that while public rhetoric from Tehran remains defiant, the private reality is one of desperation following 26 days of Operation Epic Fury.
- The “Killed” Concern: Trump claimed that Iranian negotiators are “afraid they’ll be killed by their own people” if they sign the U.S. 15-point plan. “They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” he added, referencing the ongoing decapitation strikes.
- The “Mowed Down” Logic: This aligns with Trump’s reported refusal to join Prime Minister Netanyahu’s call for a popular uprising. Trump argued that an unorganized revolt would lead to civilians being “mowed down” by the IRGC, preferring a top-down “negotiated surrender” instead.
- Psychological Leverage: By publicly stating that Iran “wants a deal,” Trump is attempting to project an image of inevitable U.S. victory to both the global markets and the Iranian public.
The “Friday” Ultimatum
Despite his optimism about a deal, the President reiterated that his patience has a firm expiration date.
| The Trump Deadline | Expected Action |
| Time | Sunrise, Friday, March 27, 2026 (approx. 15 hours from now). |
| The “Trigger” | Lack of a “signed and verifiable” commitment to the 15-point plan. |
| The “Hell” Phase | Transition from military/IRGC targets to the “Total Infrastructure Phase,” starting with the national power grid. |
“They want to make a deal… but if they don’t, we are going to unleash hell. Friday morning is the time. It’s very simple.” — President Trump
The Disconnect: Araghchi’s Rejection
Trump’s claims stand in stark contrast to the official line from Tehran. Just hours ago, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi—who was temporarily removed from the U.S. target list to facilitate talks—told state media:
- “No Negotiations”: Araghchi insisted that “at present, our policy is the continuation of resistance” and that no direct dialogue is taking place.
- “Excessive” Demands: Iranian officials have labeled the U.S. demand for the total dismantling of their nuclear program as “non-negotiable.”
- “We Are Waiting”: Hardline figures like Mohsen Rezaee have even challenged the U.S. to a ground invasion, claiming they have “traps” ready on Kharg Island.
What’s Next?
The world is now witnessing a classic “Trumpian” negotiation tactic: declaring the opponent is ready to fold while simultaneously threatening their total destruction. As the Islamabad Summit continues behind closed doors, the question remains whether the “Governing Council” in Tehran is indeed “terribly afraid” enough to sign a deal before the sun rises tomorrow.