S, while president Donald Trump, during a press briefing at the White House, stated that he's in no rush to conclude the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump emphasized that negotiations are taking time and the United States doesn't wish to bind itself to any specific timeline. S. has gained a significant military advantage, and the focus is now on whether a deal can be reached. He warned that if an agreement isn't secured, military strikes will be resumed.
Status of Iranian Military and Nuclear Policy
President Trump claimed that the Iranian military has been completely defeated, while he asserted that their navy and air force have been decimated, and their anti-aircraft equipment is gone. "They've boats armed with cannons; we will destroy them as soon as we see them," Trump stated. Regarding nuclear weapons, he clarified that he wouldn't use them against Iran at this time, stating that such weapons shouldn't be used under any circumstances. He further added that Iran can't have a nuclear bomb and will never be allowed to obtain one.
Military Operations in the Strait of Hormuz
S. military is intensifying its operations in the Strait of Hormuz, including increased efforts to remove naval mines. S. military claimed to have seized another Iranian tanker in the Indian Ocean, while this follows previous attacks by Iran on three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalating tension has nearly halted oil trade through this critical maritime route, impacting the global oil supply.
The Nuclear Deal and Economic Blockade
Trump criticized the nuclear deal orchestrated by the Obama administration, stating he terminated it because it provided Iran a pathway to nuclear weapons. Mentioning General Soleimani, Trump described him as a "talented general" and suggested that such progress might not have been possible without his elimination. S. economic blockade is 100% effective and that Iran's economic situation is dire. While Iran reportedly wants a deal and talks are ongoing, Trump noted a leadership crisis within the country, stating they're fighting among themselves.
Conditions for Opening the Strait of Hormuz
On the West Asia conflict, Trump expressed a desire for a deal but refused to set a deadline. He claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, which currently remains closed. Trump revealed that Iranian representatives approached him to open the Strait, an idea his team welcomed, but he personally rejected. He argued that opening the route would allow Iran to earn 500 million dollars per day, which he intends to prevent until a resolution is reached. The Strait will only reopen once a deal is finalized.