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President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, declaring that Tehran must agree to a compromise arrangement with Washington or face a decisive US military response. "They're either going to do the right thing or we're just going to finish the job," Trump told journalists on the South Lawn of the White House before departing on a state visit to China, as reported by TASS. "We're either going to make a deal or they're going to be decimated. One way or the other, we win."

The remarks, carried in full by TASS's English-language service, signal an uncompromising stance as the two countries navigate a fragile ceasefire. Trump's comments come days after the White House formally notified Congress that it considers the war with Iran to be over, a move that appears designed to comply with the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which limits the president's ability to deploy US forces abroad without congressional approval.

Coverage Comparison

The two TASS reports present a consistent picture of Trump's position, though they emphasize different aspects. The first report, dated May 2, focuses on Trump's assertion that the US is "winning" in the conflict and his determination to secure a deal acceptable to Washington. The second, from May 13, centers on his ultimatum and his refusal to rule out abandoning the ceasefire.

Both reports rely heavily on direct quotes from Trump, giving readers his unvarnished rhetoric. Neither report includes independent analysis or comment from Iranian officials, leaving the narrative largely shaped by the president's own characterization of events. The reports also provide important context: a military operation launched by the US and Israel on February 28, a ceasefire declared on April 7 and later extended, and failed talks in Islamabad on April 11.

Key Claims

  • Trump's ultimatum: According to TASS, Trump stated that Tehran must either agree to a deal or the US will "finish the job," adding that "one way or the other, we win." This claim is direct and attributed to the president.
  • US winning the war: In a May 2 address to supporters in Florida, Trump said, "We're just winning" regarding the war against Iran. This claim is reported by TASS and reflects the president's public position.
  • Ceasefire and its extension: A ceasefire took effect on April 7 and was later extended, according to multiple reports. Trump declared the ceasefire, but Iran does not recognize Washington's unilateral extension, as reported by Iranian state television via TASS.
  • Congressional notification: On May 1, the White House formally notified Congress that it considers the war with Iran to be over. This move appears tied to the War Powers Resolution, which requires congressional approval for US forces deployed beyond 60 days. The New York Times independently confirmed this notification.
  • Failed talks: Iran and the US held several rounds of talks in Islamabad on April 11, but both sides reported no agreement on a long-term settlement. This is reported by TASS as a factual statement.
  • Casualty figures: The Iranian side has reported as many as 3,375 deaths from US and Israeli attacks over 40 days of war. This figure, cited by TASS, has not been independently verified by other sources and should be treated with caution.

Perspectives

Iranian Perspective

Iran does not recognize the US's unilateral extension of the ceasefire, according to Iranian state television. The Iranian government has emphasized the human cost of the conflict, citing over 3,000 deaths. Tehran has historically denied seeking nuclear weapons, a stance that clashes with Trump's assertion that Iran reneged on a verbal agreement not to develop them.

US Administration Perspective

Trump frames the conflict as a necessary fight against Iran's nuclear ambitions, insisting that a deal must be on US terms. His repeated assertion that "they will not have a nuclear weapon" underscores his red line. The administration's notification to Congress suggests an effort to manage legal constraints while maintaining military pressure.

Legal and Procedural Context

The 1973 War Powers Resolution limits presidential authority to deploy US forces without congressional approval. The White House's May 1 notification appears to be a procedural step to comply with this law, though it does not resolve constitutional questions over the president's war powers. This context is critical to understanding the timeline of the conflict.

Background and Verification

Trump's comments have not been disputed by other sources, though the broader context — including the start of the war on February 28 and the reported casualty figures — rests largely on TASS reporting. As a Russian state news agency, TASS's editorial line can reflect Kremlin interests, but the direct quotations from Trump are consistent with his public statements elsewhere.

The claim that Iran refuses to put a nuclear commitment in writing is a point of contention: Trump asserts it, while Iranian officials have denied such an agreement. Without independent verification, this remains a contested claim.

The path forward remains uncertain. Trump's comment that he will "think about" the ceasefire during his flight to Beijing leaves the door open to either extension or escalation. As the war enters its fourth month, the international community watches for any signs of a breakthrough or further deterioration.