US President Donald Trump has said Iran wants a deal with the United States, but insisted he is in “no hurry” as the blockade around the Strait of Hormuz continues to damage Tehran’s economy.
Trump said any agreement with Iran would only be made at the right time and in the interest of the United States, its allies and the wider world.
Speaking to reporters and in a media interview, Trump said he was not under pressure to end the war with Iran. “I have all the time in the world,” Trump said, adding that Iran does not.
He said he was giving Tehran a chance to agree to a better deal, but warned that the US military would act if Iran failed to reach an agreement.
“If Tehran does not make a deal, our military will deal with them,” Trump said.
Trump said he wanted to take his time before finalising any agreement with Iran. “Don’t rush me,” he told reporters.
Also Read: US Navy ordered to attack any boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz
“I want to make the best deal. I could make a deal right now, but I don’t want to do that. I want to have it everlasting,” he said.
The US president said Washington wanted a deal that would keep the world safe from “lunatics with nuclear weapons.” He added that the agreement must serve the interests of America and the world.
Trump rejects use of nuclear weapons
When asked about the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, Trump dismissed the question as foolish. “This question is stupid,” he said.
“Nobody should use nuclear weapons,” Trump added, making clear that the United States would not use nuclear weapons against Iran. He said conventional US military power was enough to deal with the situation.
US extends pressure over Strait of Hormuz
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has become prolonged, with Trump indicating that the blockade could be extended. The strait is one of the world’s most important shipping routes and a key passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Trump claimed the United States has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran earns around $500 million a day from the strait and that Washington does not want to allow Tehran to keep benefiting from it.
Also Read: Trump rules out nuclear strike on Iran
Trump earlier ordered the US military to destroy Iranian boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He said American forces were fully prepared and alert.
Trump said the US blockade on Iran was “100 percent effective.”
Trump claims Iran’s economy being damaged
The US president said Iran’s economy was being severely damaged because of the blockade. He claimed Iran was in a deeply disorganised situation and that internal disputes had become a major problem for Tehran.
According to Trump, Iran wants a deal and Washington remains in contact with it. However, he said Iranian leadership was in chaos and struggling to decide who could speak for the country.
Also Read: Iran fast boats threaten shipping near Strait of Hormuz
Trump repeated his claim that Iran’s military has been largely destroyed. He said Iran’s army had been completely defeated, while its navy, air force and air defence system had been wiped out.
“They’re really a mess,” Trump said.
He added that Iran had lost what he called its “fear factor” and was no longer “the bully of the Middle East.”
Iran’s leadership is fractured
In an interview with MS NOW on Thursday morning, Trump claimed Iran had “no idea who their leader is.”
“They’re all messed up. They have no idea who their leader is,” he said.
Trump said the US had taken out “three levels of leaders” and “everybody that was even close behind him,” referring to the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He said Iran was struggling to identify who could speak for the country.
“They have a hard time figuring out who the hell can speak for the country. They just don’t know,” Trump said.
Trump also criticised the Iran nuclear deal reached during former US president Barack Obama’s administration. He called it a “disastrous deal.”
Also Read: Iran seizes vessel in Strait of Hormuz, defying US Navy
The president said the current US approach was different and claimed that 75% of Washington’s goals had already been achieved. He said any new deal with Tehran would only happen when it was right for America and its allies.
Trump also referred to the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. He described Soleimani as a “brilliant general,” but said he was killed despite that status.
Trump accuses media of misleading coverage
Trump accused what he called the “fake news media” of giving a false impression about Iran. He insisted that Iran was weaker than being portrayed and that its navy, air force and defence system had been completely destroyed.
Trump said Iran had created problems for the world and must now face the consequences unless it agrees to a deal.
Also Read: Third US aircraft carrier reaches near Iran as Trump warns ‘clock's ticking’
The US president said American forces remain fully prepared and alert. He said Washington wants the “best deal” with Iran, but will not rush into one.
For now, Trump’s message to Tehran remains clear: the United States is willing to wait, but Iran faces growing pressure as the blockade continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis.
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