President Trump said Monday his negotiators are speaking to the Iranian side and there is a chance they can reach a new peace deal after nearly two weeks of intense renewed fighting in the region.
Mr. Trump said Tehran begged for a meeting because constant U.S. airstrikes forced them back to the table.
“The only reason they want to meet is because we’ve been hitting them very hard,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One en route to Michigan. “They want to meet, and we’re meeting. There’s a chance we can make a deal.”
Earlier Monday, Iranian officials said they were focused on self-defense and would not let the U.S. dictate the course of the war or how to reach a peace deal.
But Mr. Trump said Iran is eager to talk.
“They requested a meeting through their surrogates and directly,” he said.
“Good things could happen, I guess,” the president said, adding the markets seemed to enjoy the pause in fighting. “Oil dropped very big today.”
The price of Brent crude oil fell about 4% by midday Monday to about $81 per barrel.
Mr. Trump and Israel launched airstrikes on Feb. 28 to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Iran retaliated by clamping down on oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a cycle of military attacks and peace talks over the past five months.
Mr. Trump said the U.S. retains “plenty” of ammunition, pushing back on reports that American stockpiles are drained. He also said that he still trusts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the war stretches deep into the calendar year.
“I think he’s done a great job,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Tuesday. The president said he remains on the same page with Mr. Netanyahu in terms of protecting Iran from the nuclear threat.
“Know who wouldn’t survive without us? Israel,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump also said he plans to move ahead with fighter-jet deals with Turkey, despite Mr. Netanyahu’s opposition.
