New Delhi, June 1 -- President Donald Trump publicly assailed critics from both political parties on Monday over their commentary on his Iran diplomacy, asserting that Tehran "really wants to make a deal" even as weekend military exchanges between US and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz cast a long shadow over negotiations that have now dragged into a second month without resolution.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed confidence that an agreement with Iran remained within reach, whilst directing sharp criticism at those he described as obstructing the negotiating process from within the United States.

"Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the USA and those that are with us," Trump wr...