Trump on Iran: No Rush for Deal, Claims Major Military Damage Inflicted
Trump asserts no urgency for an Iran deal, citing significant military impact.
Top Summary
- What happened: President Trump declared he's in no hurry to finalize a deal with Iran, while claiming the US has inflicted major military damage.
- Why it matters: This stance signals continued pressure on Iran amid ongoing negotiations and uncertainty about de-escalation.
- What changes for people: Possible extended period of economic pressure on Iran and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Who is affected: Iran's leadership, the Iranian people, and global oil markets through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump: 'Don't Rush Me' on Iran Deal
President Donald Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, taking a firm stance on Iran. He stated he was not rushing to secure a deal. Trump emphasized his desire for the "best possible deal" with Tehran.
“Don’t rush me,” Trump said, declining to set a deadline for Iran's response. He drew comparisons to past wars lasting much longer.
When questioned if the conflict was extending beyond the anticipated four-to-six weeks, Trump dismissed the concern. “I don't want to rush myself,” he reiterated. He added that Iran's leadership "is in turmoil."
“I wanna make the best deal. I could make a deal right now,”
Trump addressed concerns about the pace of the campaign, stating he could strike a deal immediately. He claimed his administration had already inflicted significant military damage on Tehran.
'75% Targets Hit in Iran'
Trump alleged that Iran's leadership is divided and struggling to find a unified position. He claimed the US military pressure weakened Tehran internally.
He claimed, "We’ve hit about 75% of our targets." Trump suggested the campaign slowed after indications from Iran that it desired de-escalation.
He asserted the US had completed the majority of the military work and was awaiting Tehran's response to a potential deal.
“I took the country out militarily in the first four weeks. I took it out militarily,”
Trump continued, "Now all we're doing is sitting back and seeing what deal (we make). And if they don't want to make a deal, then I'll finish it up militarily.”
No Nuclear Option for Iran
Trump rejected the notion of using nuclear weapons against Iran. When questioned about it, he responded sharply.
“No, I wouldn't. We don't need it. Why do I need it? Why would a stupid question like that be asked?” he said.
Trump added, "Why would I use a nuclear weapon, when we've totally, in a very conventional way, decimated them without it. No, I wouldn't use it. A nuclear weapon should never be allowed to be used by anybody."
Strait of Hormuz and Economic Pressure
He discussed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil route. Trump said Iran approached the US to reopen it, but he opposed it due to the financial benefits it would provide Tehran.
“If we open the strait, that means they’re going to make $500 million a day. I don’t want them to make $500 million a day until they settle this thing. So I’m the one that kept it closed,” Trump explained.
What to Watch Next
Future developments to monitor include any signs of shifts in Iran's internal power dynamics, any indications of willingness for de-escalation and negotiations from Iran, and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacting the global oil market.