“We're going to give this one shot,” the U.S. president said.
“I'm in no hurry. You never think, ‘Oh, the midterms, I'm in a hurry.’ I'm in no hurry.”
When asked if he thought it was taking longer than expected to sign a deal with Iran, the U.S. president compared the current situation with other military conflicts.
“You were in Vietnam 19 years. You were in Afghanistan, and these other places, 10 years,” he replied.
“You were in Iraq. How long were you in Iraq? 12 years. You were in Korea for seven years. World War II is different – that was four years. I'm in for three months, and much of it's been [a] ceasefire.”
U.S.-Israeli war against Iran
On May 5, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the military operation against Iran was over and that the United States had achieved its objectives. Trump later said the U.S. held “very good negotiations” with Iran.
On May 18, the president warned that time was running out for Iran and that the regime faced tougher consequences unless it offered a better deal.
The U.S. Defense Department has prepared a number of military plans in case Trump decides to renew strikes against Iran.
Reporters noted that Trump is “running out of patience” as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
According to several White House officials, the Trump administration delayed decisions on Iran to see how Trump’s talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping would unfold before determining the next steps.
The New York Times reported on May 18, citing two Middle Eastern officials, that the United States and Israel are engaged in intense preparations for the possible resumption of attacks against Iran as early as this week. The sources added that the current preparations are the largest since the ceasefire took effect.
Trump later announced that the U.S. canceled planned strikes on Iran on May 19 at the request of Persian Gulf states. The American president added that there was a "very good chance" of reaching an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program.
Iranian state media reported on May 19 that Tehran's latest peace proposal involves ending hostilities on all fronts including Lebanon, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas close to Iran, and reparations for destruction caused by the war.
A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, reached in April 2026 and extended indefinitely, remains in effect.