Trump on Iran: Maybe I'll negotiate, maybe not - let them guess!

It was quiet at the White House today – and judging by Donald Trump's public schedule, it was expected to stay that way. However, the US President appeared on the White House lawn and briefly addressed the press.

He was there to mark the raising of a massive flagpole – a project he is apparently excited about.

After joking with the workers, he gave a short speech to the White House press corps, known as the "press pool".

His statements initially concerned the US economy, interest rates, and debt, the BBC reports.

He quickly dismissed all questions about potential US involvement in Iran.

"I can't say that," he said. "Maybe I will, maybe I won't. Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this: Iran has a lot of problems and wants to negotiate."

He then reiterated his claim – made several times in recent days – that Iran should have been more prepared to negotiate before Israel carried out the attack.

Trump then said that Iranian negotiators had suggested they "might come to the White House," although he noted that this was difficult to arrange.

He also said he was unsure "how long" the conflict would last, given that Iran's air defenses had been destroyed.

"Two very simple words: unconditional surrender," he said. "I've had enough."

He also added that he believes the Iranians have "bad intentions" regarding their country's nuclear program.

However, Trump noted that he has sympathy for the Iranian people and has met many of them during his career.

He quickly moved on to other topics, including Ukraine and Russia.