Apr 11, 2026, 5:32 PM EDT
At a brief gaggle at the White House before departing for Miami, President Donald Trump said he is unconcerned about the outcome of talks with Iran, arguing the United States will come out ahead no matter what. “Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me,” he told reporters.
Throughout the exchange, Trump repeatedly framed the situation as a win for the U.S., whatever the result of the negotiations in Islamabad. He kept returning to the refrain that America benefits regardless of a pact being reached.
He also said the U.S. would allow the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened even though, he contended, the United States does not rely on it as much as other nations. He suggested some countries that use the route are “afraid or weak or cheap,” and said the U.S. would ensure freedom of navigation.
When asked about Iran’s assets — a central element of Tehran’s proposal — the president avoided detailing U.S. demands, saying only that the sides are in “very deep negotiations with Iran” and reiterating his view that the U.S. will “win regardless.”
Trump also described tankers sailing to the United States to be filled with oil and gas, calling the scene “a beautiful thing to see” as foreign vessels reportedly head to U.S. ports for fuel.
On security in the region, he acknowledged Iran likely has “a couple of mines” in the Strait of Hormuz but said U.S. minesweepers are working there to clear the waters.
A U.S. Navy photo shows guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) operating in the Arabian Sea during Operation Epic Fury on March 18, 2026.
– ABC News’ Emily Chang