Trump Gives 2 Conflicting Accounts of Iran's Military as 60-Day Ceasefire Extension Looms
Updated
Updated · The Independent · May 31
Trump Gives 2 Conflicting Accounts of Iran's Military as 60-Day Ceasefire Extension Looms
9 articles · Updated · The Independent · May 31
Fox News aired remarks Saturday in which Donald Trump said the U.S. had “left” Iran’s military largely alone, then moments later said Iran had “no military,” undercutting his earlier claims that U.S. strikes had obliterated Iranian forces.
The contradiction surfaced as the war passed the 3-month mark and Washington weighed extending a shaky ceasefire by 60 days, with no final deal yet signed despite reports last week that an agreement was awaiting Trump’s approval.
Vice President JD Vance said parts of the proposal were still being “tinkered with,” while draft terms reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting talks on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and frozen funds.
The mixed messaging lands amid a battlefield stalemate: the U.S. still has not forced open the Strait, Iran continues to threaten shipping, and gas prices remain above prewar levels even after easing from a jump of more than $1 a gallon.
If Iran's military is 'gone,' how is it still blockading the world's most vital waterway?
Will the world soon have to pay Iran a toll to access 30% of its oil?
Can a ceasefire end a war that a superpower seemingly cannot win by force?
US-Iran Negotiations 2026: Ceasefire Fragility, Nuclear Stalemate, and the Risks of Contradictory US Messaging
Overview
As of late May 2026, US-Iran negotiations are ongoing despite persistent tensions, including mutual accusations of ceasefire violations and occasional strikes. Both countries have managed to avoid a return to full-scale hostilities, keeping a fragile ceasefire in place while maintaining dialogue aimed at de-escalation and a more lasting agreement. The United States is pushing for limits on Iran’s missile and drone production, but Tehran firmly rejects any talks about its defense policies. This fundamental disagreement, along with the delicate security situation, makes reaching a comprehensive and durable agreement challenging.