President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before he boards Air Force One, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., for a trip to Florida, on March 13, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 13, 2026) that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.
“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.
Mr. Trump’s comments came after he said that Washington had heavily bombed military targets on Iran’s oil hub Kharg Island and the U.S. Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
But as the U.S. strikes on Iran persisted, Tehran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel and its Gulf neighbours.
Meanwhile, several top Iranian officials joined a defiant pro-government rally in Tehran on Friday (March 13), marching alongside demonstrators waving banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Iran’s top diplomat said this week that talks remain off the table and attacks would continue for as long as necessary.
“I don’t think talking with the Americans would be on our agenda anymore,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told PBS News this week, adding Tehran had a “very bitter experience” during previous negotiations with the U.S.
Published – March 14, 2026 10:00 am IST
