“Donald Trump denied being 'desperate' to reach a deal with Iran, saying he was under no pressure to end the conflict quickly.”

“Trump claimed Iran had been heavily weakened by the joint US-Israeli military campaign and was now seeking negotiations.”

“Despite signalling openness to diplomacy, Trump warned the United States could continue military pressure if Iran does not agree to terms to end the war.”

“Donald Trump denied being 'desperate' to make a deal with Iran on Thursday, as he mixed threats with diplomacy in a push to wrap up his war in the Middle East.”

“Holding his first cabinet meeting since the start of the joint US-Israeli operation, Trump insisted that Iran was being 'beat to sh*t' and was 'begging' for a deal, despite Tehran’s denials.”

“But Trump rejected reports that he was looking for an exit ramp, as oil prices soar and political pressure mounts to avoid the kind of drawn-out Middle East war he once spurned.”

“Trump has been saying for days that Iran wants to make a deal, amid growing signs he is seeking a quick end to the conflict. Iran, however, says there are no direct negotiations.”

“Trump said: 'Citing the original timeframe of four to six weeks that he gave shortly after the US-Israeli offensive began on 28 February, Trump said 'we’re extremely, really, a lot ahead of schedule.'”

“The US leader said Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a 'present' to show it was serious about negotiations to end the war.”

“But he then said that taking control of Iran’s oil was an 'option,' as the United States effectively did with Venezuela after toppling Nicolas Maduro, who appeared in a US court on Thursday.”

“He blasted the British aircraft carriers; London eventually offered them as 'toys' compared to their US equivalents.”

“Marco Rubio appeared to quote rappers Public Enemy as he said that 'every day, the Department of War lets the drummer get wicked over every portion of Iran.'”

“Hegseth mentioned the Department of War would continue negotiations with bombs.”

“Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth hailed Trump for 'doing the work of the free world.'”

“Trump’s deadline for Iran to unblock the Strait of Hormuz or see its energy network hit is due to expire on Friday, but with just a day to go, he said he wasn’t sure if he’d extend it.”

“Trump spent much of his time lambasting NATO and other allies for rejecting his appeals to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes.”

“Trump’s comments will once again fuel the speculation that has swirled since the start of the war about the 79-year-old’s goals and timeline for the war.”

“Steve Witkoff confirmed for the first time that Washington had sent a 15-point 'action list' via mediator Pakistan and said there were 'strong signs' that Iran might make a deal.”