Trump says Iran not ready for 'right deal', asserts U.S. control over Strait of Hormuz
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday (August 21, 2026) that Tehran was not prepared to make the 'right deal' over its nuclear program, while asserting that Washington maintains complete control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and surrounding land areas.
Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Mr. Trump said, “We have total control of that entire region having to do with the Strait of Hormuz, and that means well into it, the land areas. So, they would love to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion.”
His remarks come amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear activities. The President reiterated his firm stance against Tehran acquiring atomic weapons. “We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon; we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, or you will see some very bad things,” he warned.
Mr. Trump also claimed that past U.S. actions had stopped Iran's nuclear ambitions. “We went down, and we stopped them; they will never have a nuclear weapon,” he added, without providing specific details.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Roughly one-fifth of the world's petroleum passes through it, making its security a matter of international concern. Mr. Trump's assertion of control over the region underscores the strategic stakes involved in the ongoing standoff.
The President's comments suggest that while Iran may be interested in negotiations, the terms being discussed do not meet Washington's conditions. He did not elaborate on what would constitute a 'right deal', but his repeated insistence that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon indicates that the core issue remains the scope of Tehran's enrichment program and its long-term compliance with international demands.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, including energy generation and medical research. However, international inspectors have raised concerns in the past about undeclared activities. The current situation reflects a broader pattern of diplomatic deadlock, with both sides expressing willingness to engage but differing sharply on the framework for any agreement.
Analysts note that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz gives both the U.S. and Iran leverage in any negotiation. While Washington's military presence in the region is significant, any disruption to the waterway would have severe consequences for the global economy. This mutual vulnerability complicates the path to a negotiated settlement.
Mr. Trump's remarks at the rally were part of a broader speech touching on domestic and foreign policy. His comments on Iran were brief but carried a clear message: the United States will not accept a nuclear-armed Iran, and current Iranian positions are insufficient.
There has been no immediate response from Iranian officials to the President's latest statement. The international community continues to watch closely, as any miscalculation in the Gulf region could escalate into a wider conflict with far-reaching implications.
As the situation evolves, diplomatic observers emphasize the need for clear communication and a commitment to de-escalation. The coming weeks may prove critical in determining whether a 'right deal' can be reached or whether the standoff will persist.
