Trump says US struggling to negotiate with Iran as too many regime leaders killed in strikes

US President Donald Trump suggested at a rally in Ohio that Washington may have gone "too far" in targeting Iran's leadership, killing senior officials and complicating efforts to identify negotiable figures. Trump reiterated claims that Iran's navy was destroyed, while VP Vance stressed any agreement requires nuclear enrichment reductions.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, that the US military campaign against Iran's leadership may have been too aggressive, killing so many senior officials that Washington now struggles to find anyone to negotiate with. "We might have gone too far with the leaders because we don't know who the hell we're dealing with anymore," Trump told supporters. He added that "nobody wants to be the president of Iran," claiming potential candidates are unwilling to assume the role. Trump also reiterated his claim that Iran's navy has been destroyed, saying all 159 vessels are "resting beautifully in the bottom of the sea." He affirmed that Iran, as "the number one state sponsor of terror," would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Vice President JD Vance echoed concerns about uncertainty within Iran's leadership, telling Reuters that Washington remains unsure how decisions are being made in Tehran. Vance stressed that any agreement ending the conflict would require meaningful reductions to Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity.