In a candid interview with the New York Post’s newly launched podcast, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed increasing skepticism about the possibility of reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran. Once an outspoken advocate for securing a “better deal” with Tehran, Trump struck a notably different tone.
“I’m much less confident of a deal being made,” the president said, referring to the ongoing but stalled negotiations behind the scenes. The interview comes at a tense moment on the global stage, as Israel signals that the military option remains under serious consideration.
From Tehran to Los Angeles: A Sweeping Interview
The 45-minute conversation was hosted by journalist Miranda Devine, who launched the Post’s podcast from the White House library. Before the interview, Trump gave Devine a tour of the Oval Office, where she also met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President J.D. Vance, National Security Advisor Kristi Noem, and senior advisor Stephen Miller.
Topics ranged widely—from the violent unrest in Los Angeles and tense U.S.-China relations to diverging American and European approaches on sanctions against “problematic” regimes.
Tough Talk on China and Domestic Issues
Trump didn’t hold back his criticism of China, referring to Beijing’s leadership as “spoiled” after years of perceived success against weak U.S. administrations, and promised it wouldn’t continue to be the case. He also voiced frustration with California Governor Gavin Newsom and discussed the recent decision to withdraw the Marine Corps troops from the streets of Los Angeles.
A Strategic Shift?
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Trump had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to lower the temperature in Gaza in order to preserve room for diplomacy with Iran. Now, Trump’s public doubt about the viability of a deal may indicate a firmer posture toward Tehran—or possibly signal a pivot toward a more force-based approach.
