U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on July 8 (local time) that "Iran called us a little while ago" and that "they are desperate to make a deal," following two consecutive days of military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump made the remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington after attending the NATO summit, adding, "I don't know if it's worth negotiating with Iran."

He added, "I'm not sure if they will properly implement any agreement."

When asked why he thought Iran attacked merchant ships despite claiming they wanted negotiations, President Trump harshly criticized the actions as "insane."

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Iranian side actually contacted the U.S. to maintain negotiations as President Trump claims.

The German news agency DPA pointed out that "President Trump has repeatedly mentioned conversations or calls that the other side later denied in whole or in part."

The U.S. launched airstrikes targeting key facilities along Iran's southern coast for two days starting the previous day, alleging that Iran had attacked merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation, Iran continued its own attacks targeting major U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Reported by JIN Sang-myeong | Video by Hong Jin-young | Produced by SBS Digital News