US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran secretly wants to make a deal to end the ongoing war, but is reluctant to admit it publicly because of fear of internal backlash or external threats, according to recent statements. 

Trump told reporters that Tehran’s leadership is negotiating indirectly with the United States and that Iranian officials “want a deal so badly” yet are too afraid to say so openly, fearing political consequences at home or reprisals from opposing forces. 

The president suggested that Iran’s denials of peace talks are partly driven by concern that admitting willingness to negotiate could make the country’s leaders vulnerable to criticism, unrest, or even threats from those inside Iran. 

Despite Iran’s public rejection of talks and insistence it has not entered negotiations, Trump reiterated that discussions through intermediaries have occurred and that both sides have common ground on pausing hostilities. 

His comments came amid intense military conflict in the Middle East involving US and Israeli strikes, even as Trump claims diplomacy hasn’t stopped — a situation analysts describe as contradictory and complex. 

Critics note that Tehran has firmly denied substantive talks with Washington, and the reality of negotiations remains unclear, leaving uncertainty over whether a ceasefire deal is truly underway or simply wishful rhetoric.