US President Donald Trump said that Iran had shocked the Persian Gulf region and Washington with its retaliatory attacks, while claiming that Tehran was pushing for a deal. His words were quoted by the "Guardian".
During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump indicated that Iran's actions against countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman were unexpected.
"Everyone was shocked, including us", he said, adding that in his opinion Iran has plans to dominate the Middle East.
The US president also made a controversial statement about Tehran's military capabilities, stating that the country is "a weak fighter but a strong negotiator".
Trump repeated his claim that it is Iran that is pushing for a deal, not the United States.
"Let's be clear - they are asking for a deal, not me. "They're asking for a deal," he stressed, criticizing media reports that Washington was seeking an agreement.
He said the possibility of an agreement remained unclear, with the United States still undecided whether it was ready to enter into such a process. Trump added that in his opinion Iran should have done this earlier - weeks or even years ago.