Trump pushes for Iran deal but faces skepticism at home and abroad

President Donald Trump says Iran is pushing hard for a peace agreement, but he's drawing a firm line: no deal unless the country gives up its nuclear program entirely. Speaking after the collapse of recent talks in Islamabad, Trump insisted that Tehran 'wants this more than anyone knows' but made clear he won't accept anything short of total denuclearization. The comments come as U.S. diplomats scramble to revive negotiations, though few expect quick progress given the wide gap between the two sides.

The Islamabad meeting, meant to build on a fragile ceasefire, ended with no breakthrough. Officials familiar with the discussions say Iran is willing to limit its uranium enrichment under strict monitoring but refuses to abandon its program altogether-a nonstarter for the Trump administration. Analysts warn that without narrowing the scope of talks to just nuclear constraints, broader peace efforts are likely to stall. As one former negotiator put it, 'You can't solve everything at once. Focus on the bomb first, then talk about missiles or regional influence.'

At the same time, Trump's conduct is drawing renewed attention. Over the weekend, he posted an image likening himself to Jesus healing the sick-complete with angels and outstretched hands-before deleting it amid backlash from religious leaders. When asked about it, he dismissed critics as 'fake news' and claimed the post was meant ironically. But the incident, paired with recent threats to 'wipe Iran off the map' and sharp attacks on the Pope, has some former advisers privately expressing alarm.

Even longtime supporters are starting to voice concern. A handful of ex-administration officials, speaking anonymously, told reporters they worry Trump's rhetoric is undermining diplomacy. 'He says one thing in public and another in private,' said one. 'It's impossible for our team to know what the red lines really are.' Others point to his increasingly combative tone as counterproductive, especially when trying to build trust with a wary adversary like Iran.

On the other side, Iranian leaders have framed Trump's demands as unrealistic and disrespectful. State media portrayed the U.S. as unwilling to negotiate in good faith, while hardliners in Tehran argue that any surrender of nuclear capabilities would be a national humiliation. With hardliners on both sides digging in, the path to agreement looks narrow-and possibly closing.

Back in Washington, the debate has shifted beyond policy. The New York Times published interviews with several former White House staff who described Trump as increasingly isolated and volatile. Some used blunt terms-calling him 'lunatic' and 'clearly insane'-though none called for invoking the 25th Amendment. Still, the growing chatter reflects unease within political circles about whether the president can sustain a coherent foreign policy under pressure.

For now, the administration says talks will continue through back channels, possibly in Hungary, where U.S. and Iranian envoys have met before. But with trust low, rhetoric high, and the president making headlines for reasons beyond diplomacy, the chances of a lasting deal seem as distant as ever.