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Military officials in Iran have ridiculed recent claims from Donald Trump regarding rapid progress toward a possible agreement, suggesting that Washington is “negotiating with itself” amid conflicting statements about contacts with Tehran.
According to a televised address cited by CNN, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari criticized US leadership, arguing that “the time for their promises has passed.”
“Has your internal disagreement become so severe that you are now negotiating with yourselves?” Zolfaqari said, addressing US officials.
He also stated that US power has effectively turned into a strategic failure, adding that oil and energy prices would not stabilize unless Washington abandons the idea of attacking Iran.
The remarks come after Trump said he remains optimistic that a deal with Iran could be reached soon, and that US officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are involved in discussions. However, Tehran has not confirmed any direct negotiations, saying it has only received messages via intermediaries.
Trump also reiterated his hardline stance, claiming the US had “wiped Iran off the map,” while dismissing critical assessments of the conflict’s outcomes. His comments contrast with ongoing uncertainty within US political and military circles over the feasibility of a rapid de-escalation.
Meanwhile, internal disagreement reportedly persists among US defense leadership regarding the prospects of a negotiated settlement, highlighting divisions over whether the conflict with Iran should be wound down through diplomacy or continued pressure.
