Trump says Iran wants deal as US armada approaches
Steve Yates, a former security advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney, appeared on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss President Donald Trump’s strategic military and naval maneuvers aimed at Iran. These actions come amid ongoing negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
On Saturday, Iran’s President accused President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and European leaders of inciting unrest and attempting to destabilize Iran, as reported by Reuters.
During a state television broadcast, Masoud Pezeshkian alleged that Trump, Netanyahu, and their European counterparts have capitalized on Iran’s internal issues. He claimed they have been provoking and aiming to fragment Iranian society.
Pezeshkian further stated that these foreign leaders encouraged street protests in an effort to tear the country apart, inciting conflict and division among the Iranian people. He emphasized that the recent anti-government demonstrations and the subsequent violent crackdowns were not merely social protests.
As of Saturday, the White House had not responded to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding these accusations.
Featured in the discussion were Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Getty Images)
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency recently reported that the violence in Iran has killed at least 6,479 people in recent weeks, with many more feared dead. Its count included at least 6,092 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 118 children and 55 civilians who were not demonstrating. More than 47,200 have been arrested, it added.
As of Jan. 21, Iran’s government put the death toll at a far lower 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeling the rest “terrorists.”
Pezeshkian’s comments come after Trump said Friday that the United States has directly communicated expectations to Iran as pressure mounts for Tehran to accept a nuclear deal.
Buses burned during Iran’s protests, in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 21, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters)
Asked whether Iran faces a deadline to make a deal, Trump suggested in the Oval Office Friday the timeline had been conveyed privately.
“Only they know for sure,” he said when pressed about whether the message had been delivered directly to Iranian leaders.
Cars burn in a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2026. (Stringer/WANA via Reuters)
As Trump weighs his options on a possible military strike on Iran, a senior Gulf official also told Fox News Saudi Arabia will not allow the U.S. to use its airspace or bases for such an attack.
