Washington, March 26 -- US President Donald Trump has offered a characteristically blunt assessment of the ongoing conflict with Tehran, characterising the Iranian leadership as "lousy fighters but great negotiators."

Speaking at the commencement of a Cabinet meeting, his first since the United States entered the war, the President dismissed reports that Washington was the party driving a diplomatic resolution. Instead, Trump asserted that the impetus for a ceasefire is coming directly from Iran.

"They're begging to make a deal, not me," the President stated, maintaining that it is Tehran, rather than Washington, that is seeking to restart talks as the hostilities enter their fourth week.

Delivering a sharp critique of Iranian strategi...