Trump says he’s ‘playing out’ ceasefire negotiations with ‘crafty’ Iranians

Trump Discusses Pace of Ceasefire Negotiations with Iran

President Donald Trump stated on social media that Iran seeks an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a post early Monday, he said political criticism from Democrats and some Republicans complicates negotiations. He urged patience, writing that the outcome would resolve positively.

During a Saturday interview on Fox News with Laura Trump, the president said he is not rushing the process. He noted that haste could produce a weaker result and that no agreement would satisfy all critics due to media coverage.

Trump described Iranian negotiators as experienced and said the talks proceed deliberately. He indicated the United States is obtaining its objectives gradually.

Military Actions Reported Over Weekend

U.S. Central Command announced strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps facilities near the Strait of Hormuz. The targets included radar and command sites on Qeshm Island and in Goruk, Iran. Officials described the strikes as responses to the downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone operating over international waters and to the presence of attack drones threatening shipping.

Iranian forces subsequently launched missiles and drones toward U.S. positions in Kuwait. Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted the incoming projectiles. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the launches as violations of the ceasefire and threats to national security.

Earlier actions included an Iranian ballistic missile directed at Kuwait that was intercepted and five attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz that were also intercepted by U.S. forces. Central Command characterized the missile launch as a ceasefire violation.

Nuclear Terms in Negotiations

On Friday, Trump indicated he was reviewing a proposed 60-day extension of the ceasefire that would include opening the Strait of Hormuz, easing the U.S. naval presence, and establishing a structure for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. He later sent a counterproposal that included firmer language on nuclear issues.

In the Fox News interview, Trump said Iran had committed to forgoing nuclear weapons. He described an adjustment in wording from an earlier formulation limited to development to one that also covers acquisition by purchase.

Iran has previously stated it will not seek, develop, or acquire nuclear weapons. Such language appeared in the 2015 nuclear agreement from which the United States withdrew in 2018.

Congress Returns; NDAA Provision Draws Attention

Members of Congress resumed session after the Memorial Day recess. A section of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for 2027 has attracted bipartisan comment. Section 224 would require the Defense Department to designate an official to coordinate defense technology cooperation with Israel.

Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna stated they intend to offer amendments to remove the provision. Both lawmakers described the measure as going beyond standard alliance arrangements.

Hegseth Addresses Shangri-La Dialogue

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the annual Shangri-La defense dialogue in Singapore. He stated that U.S. partnerships rest on alignment of national interests rather than shared values alone. He described a shift toward arrangements in which partners contribute their own defense capabilities.

Hegseth said U.S. relations with China are improved compared with recent years and that the administration seeks stable ties, balanced trade, and mutual respect. He emphasized measurable military contributions over diplomatic statements.

Additional Developments

• Lithuania’s government assessed that Russia’s economy is oriented toward military production and that Baltic states could face future pressure.
• Romania requested NATO consultations after an unidentified drone landed on its territory.
• The White House announced eligibility rules for service members to attend an upcoming UFC event.
• The administration continues its search for a new Border Patrol chief.
• Several FIFA host cities are preparing contingency plans in the event of tightened U.S. customs procedures.
• A pro-Trump candidate advanced to a runoff in Colombia’s presidential election.
• Federal agencies have recorded the departure of more than 10,000 lawyers since late 2024.
• U.S. forces conducted a fourth strike this week on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific.
• British intelligence estimates place Russian military fatalities in Ukraine near 500,000.
• Taiwan’s opposition leader visited the United States.

Additional reporting covered topics including drone defense costs, Navy promotion demographics, space command planning, and service-specific readiness measures.