Trump Says Iran 'Finished' After Deal, as Talks Stall Over Lebanon Clashes
US President Donald Trump on Friday claimed that Iran was 'finished' following the recent agreement between the two countries, asserting that the deal had weakened Tehran's military capabilities. In a series of posts on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran no longer possesses an effective air force, navy, or air defence systems, and criticised Democratic opponents for suggesting Iran is better off than before the deal.
Trump wrote: 'The War has diminished Iran! It doesn't, any longer, have an Air Force, a Navy, Antiaircraft Equipment, Radar, or practically anything else, and yet the Dumocrats say that Iran is better off now than it was four months ago. Can you imagine getting away with that??? How stupid can some people be.' He also claimed the agreement was signed out of Tehran's desperation, adding: 'They are FINISHED! We'll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents.'
The deal, signed this week by President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to end a conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. It includes provisions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a 60-day negotiation period on broader issues, including Iran's nuclear programme. The agreement was also intended to halt fighting in Lebanon, but clashes between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters have since erupted, killing at least 47 people in Lebanon.
As a result, planned talks between Iran and the US were called off on Friday. Iranian officials did not travel to Switzerland as scheduled, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before negotiations can proceed, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter. US Vice President JD Vance also postponed his trip. However, later on Friday, multiple reports indicated that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire.
The situation remains fluid, with the 60-day negotiation period under the US-Iran deal set to continue despite the temporary suspension of talks. The Trump administration has maintained that Iran must comply with the terms of the agreement, while Iranian officials have demanded an end to hostilities in Lebanon as a precondition for further discussions.
