Trump: Iran is playing games, but wants a peace deal

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (5/5) accused Iran of “playing games”, but emphasised that Tehran actually wants to reach a peaceful agreement with Washington.

“What I don’t like about Iran is that they speak to me with full respect, then on television they say ‘We are not talking to the President.’ When I just spoke… They are playing games. But I say, they want to make a deal,” Trump told reporters.

Nevertheless, Trump refused to explain in detail what would be considered a violation of the ceasefire by Iran.

“You’ll know later, because I’ll tell you. They know what to do, and know what not to do,” he added.

On Sunday night, Trump announced “Project Freedom” to help ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz to exit the area.

However, Iran’s national media IRIB reported on Monday that the Iranian military prevented a US ship from entering the Strait of Hormuz by firing two missiles at the warship, a claim later denied by the US Central Command.

The conflict has escalated since 28 February, when the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

On 7 April, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, but follow-up talks in Islamabad ended without agreement.

Trump then extended the suspension of attacks to give Iran time to prepare a “comprehensive proposal.”