Trump says controversial ‘civilization’ post brought Tehran to the negotiation table

Trump rejected the criticism, arguing that Iran routinely issues threats against the United States.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump defended his recent Truth Social warning about the destruction of a civilization during an interview on Fox News, saying the statement helped push Iran into negotiations.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday with Maria Bartiromo, Trump addressed backlash over his post, which read, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

The message drew criticism from Pope Leo, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and several European leaders.

Trump rejected the criticism, arguing that Iran routinely issues threats against the United States. “When I talk about a civilization, it really has changed, it really has. But think of it, they’re allowed to say, death to America, death to this, death to… And I make one statement, they say, oh, such a big deal.”

He said the post had a direct impact on diplomacy. “Let me tell you, that statement got them to the bargaining table, and they haven’t left. They haven’t left the bargaining table. I predict they come back and they give us everything we want.”

Trump added that his position in negotiations was uncompromising. “And I told my people, I want everything. I don’t want 90 percent. I don’t want 95 percent. I told them, I want everything.”

The interview came a day after 21-hour talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, ended without agreement.

Vice President JD Vance returned home following the negotiations, stating that Tehran had rejected what he described as the “best and last” deal.

Iran signaled that diplomatic efforts could continue, while indicating expectations of potential US concessions.

Following the stalemate, Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States would impose a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from interfering with maritime passage and to locate mines in the waterway.