Trump Address Highlights: ‘Appropriate people want a deal’ - Trump hints at contact by Iran
Trump suggested the US is still willing to engage with Iran to negotiate a resolution. “I can tell you that we’ve been called by the other side,” Trump said, adding, “We’ve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal.”
US President Donald Trump delivered an urgent, unplanned address from the Oval Office on April 13, 2026.
The address followed the enforcement of a US blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump earlier claimed Iran was seeking a deal “very badly” and said he had received outreach regarding a potential agreement.
He warned that Iranian “fast-attack” ships approaching the blockade would be “eliminated.”
The address came amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
23:24 IST
Trump says US blockade targets Iran “blackmail” and “extortion”
Trump says US naval blockade is aimed at stopping Iran from “blackmail” and “extort[ing] the world”
-Claims the US is not dependent on the Strait of Hormuz: “We don’t use the strait”
-Says the US has more oil and gas than Saudi Arabia and Russia
-States that “many countries” are turning to the US for the “best and sweetest” oil
-Suggests the situation could all be settled
-Says US does not need international backing for the blockade: “We don’t need other countries”
-Claims some countries have offered assistance, without naming them
-Says details of support will be revealed tomorrow
23:21 IST
Trump on Hormuz shipping - “We have a great capacity to take care of that”
Donald Trump addressed oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, said “a lot of tankers are going in empty and out full”
- Claims shipping activity is still continuing despite tensions
- States the US has “a great capacity of taking care of that”
23:19 IST
“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” says Trump
“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters during his address to media persons at the White House. “We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world.”
23:15 IST
Trump says Xi “would like to see” war ended
“We have a very good relationship with China,” Trump told reporters. Xi “would like to see” the war ended, Trump added.
23:13 IST
“Failing nation” Cuba could be next, Trump signals
Donald Trump hints at potential military action against Cuba, calls Cuba a “failing nation” during remarks outside the Oval Office.
Trump suggests Cuba could be next focus after Iran conflict
“We may stop by Cuba after we’re finished with this,” Trump says.
23:05 IST
“Appropriate people… want a deal”: Trump hints at backchannel contact
“I can tell you that we’ve been called by the other side,” Trump said, adding, “We’ve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal.”
23:03 IST
“Can’t let Iran ‘blackmail or extort the world,’” says Trump
“We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world because that’s what they’re doing,” Trump said of Iran.
“We don’t use this strait,” Trump said. “We have our own oil and gas, much more than we need.”
23:00 IST
Trump defends ‘healer’ image after backlash
Trump has defended posting a controversial image depicting himself as a saint-like healer, saying it was intended to portray him as “a doctor making people better.”
Trump said, “I did post it.” And said: “It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better.”
The image, posted on Truth Social on Sunday, appeared to draw comparisons between Trump and Jesus Christ, showing him in a healing pose. It triggered widespread criticism from Evangelical Christian leaders and conservative voices, many of whom called the depiction inappropriate.
22:56 IST
“Nothing to apologize for”: Trump doubles down on Pope Leo criticism
US President Donald Trump refuses to apologise for criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
“There’s nothing to apologize for… He’s wrong,” Trump says speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office.
Trump says the pontiff “went public” in his criticisms of the war in Iran, and “I’m just responding”.
About the Author
Ravi Hari is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint, where he covers major international developments, with a focus on politics, policy shifts, elections, conflicts, diplomacy, and evolving geopolitical power dynamics. He closely tracks the United States and other strategically important regions that shape global economic and political discourse. Based in Mumbai, Ravi plays a key role in planning daily news execution, delivering breaking news coverage, and producing in-depth, long-form stories tailored for a digital-first audience. <br><br> With more than 15 years of experience in digital journalism, Ravi specializes in producing and overseeing news content across multiple platforms. He is adept at delivering both breaking and analytical stories, tracking emerging trends, and implementing strategies to optimize audience engagement and visibility. He believes in delivering journalism that is accurate, insightful, impactful, grounded in integrity, facts, and thorough analysis. <br><br> Ravi has built a distinguished career across leading news and media organizations. Earlier, he worked with Moneycontrol, BTVI, and Times Now. These roles strengthened his real-time editorial decision-making, and social media strategy, while honing his ability to navigate fast-paced news cycles and deliver engaging content. <br><br> Ravi holds a Master’s degree in English, awarded with a Gold Medal. Outside of work, he is passionate about engaging with diverse perspectives and enjoys reading books on history and international relations to deepen his understanding of global affairs, as well as exploring culture, literature, and traditions to gain insights into societies. He values staying connected with friends. He is also passionate about mentoring young athletes, drawing on his own experience as a university-level table tennis player to guide and inspire emerging talent.
Wait for it…
Oops! Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. Remove some to bookmark this image.