Trump posts that Iranians are 'only alive to negotiate' and attacks Iran's handling of 'fake news' on Truth Social

President Trump issued combative statements on Truth Social ahead of planned US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, claiming that Iranian leadership is 'only alive to negotiate' and has 'no cards' beyond control of the Strait of Hormuz. The phrase 'only alive to negotiate' carries an implicit threat that Iranian leaders would otherwise be dead or destroyed. Trump accused Iran of attempting 'short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways' and stated that Iranians are 'better at handling the Fake News Media, and Public Relations, than they are at fighting.' The posts represented a threatening posture toward Tehran on the eve of diplomatic talks, with Trump emphasizing Iran's lack of negotiating leverage while simultaneously attacking the country's media strategy. The statements came as both nations prepared for high-stakes negotiations regarding regional security and nuclear program constraints.

"The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate. They don't seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways." — Posted on Truth Social ahead of planned US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan