Trump Says No Rush to Negotiate with Iran, Claims U.S. "Winning Big"

U.S. President Donald Trump took a relaxed stance on the timeline for Iran's return to peace talks, declaring American victory amid the ongoing conflict.

Trump said he has "no timeline" for Iran to return to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. "I'm not in a hurry. I have no timeline at all... however long it takes," the president told Al Jazeera on Wednesday.

"We're winning big," he added.

Trump's remarks came in response to questions about how much time he was giving Iran to return to talks. He further highlighted Iran's economic turmoil, citing "massive inflation" and economic deterioration. He also accused Iran of mistreating its own citizens and causing the deaths of numerous protesters.

When asked whether economic measures or military strikes were more effective, Trump replied: "I think both are effective."

Iran Hits Back at Trump's "Economic D-Day"

Trump's comments came just days before the six-month anniversary of the U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran, which falls on Friday. On Monday, Trump declared an "economic D-Day" against Iran, seeking to further cripple an economy already battered by sanctions, while still avoiding a return to full-scale war despite growing frustration with Tehran.

In response to Trump's economic warfare, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei accused the U.S. of "destroying" international law and implementing "systematic bullying."

Qatar Leads Push for New Talks, Netanyahu Expresses Skepticism

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will visit Iran on Thursday to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington and create conditions for dialogue. The visit comes as another oil tanker was reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over navigational safety on this critical energy route. Qatar has also called for guaranteeing freedom of navigation and restoring the status quo prior to February 28.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the possibility of a diplomatic agreement with Iran, calling Iranian leaders "barbarians." According to Arab News, Netanyahu backed Trump's economic pressure campaign and said he had discussed a "third option" with Trump, praising the president's "very, very, very tough" approach.

"I tell you—an agreement will not be reached," Netanyahu said.