US President Donald Trump said Iran is not yet ready to make what he called the “right deal” with Washington, while claiming the country has become economically and militarily weaker. Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One before departing for South Carolina on Friday, according to the report published on August 22, 2026.

Trump said Iran was interested in reaching an agreement but, in his view, was not prepared for the proper terms. He said Washington wanted to see the effect of sanctions on Iran’s economy, which he described as already under pressure following a war with the United States.

Describing Iran’s condition, Trump claimed it had no money, navy or air force, and was not paying its soldiers or police. He also claimed Iran’s inflation stood at 350 percent. Trump further asserted that the United States maintained complete control over the area around the Strait of Hormuz.