Trump rejects reports he wants Iran talks: I don’t want to meet, they do

US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports suggesting he is seeking a meeting with Iranian officials to negotiate an agreement. Writing on Truth Social, Trump criticized a report by Fox News as inaccurate, stating, "I don’t want to meet, they do. In fact, they are begging to make a deal." He further characterized Iran as a "failing nation." Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump reiterated that Washington is not engaged in discussions with Tehran, focusing instead on economic pressure and warning that countries conducting business with Iran could face penalties. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Trump stated he is "not in a hurry" to resume negotiations, describing both economic pressure and military action as effective. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced "Operation Economic Outcast," a campaign aimed at isolating Iran and cutting off its revenue streams. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth added that while military strikes have paused, the US has not ruled out further kinetic action in the Strait of Hormuz or elsewhere.