Trump Floats More Iran Strikes Unless Tehran Accepts a “Strong” Deal
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President Donald Trump told CNN that further U.S. attacks on Iran are unlikely only if Tehran signs a hard-line nuclear agreement, while making clear that the U.S. military is still poised to keep threatening force. He also pointed to ongoing regional diplomacy, even as Washington and its allies maintain pressure on Iran.
President Donald Trump told CNN that a new round of U.S. strikes against Iran is "highly unlikely" if Tehran signs a very strong nuclear agreement, though he warned that U.S. forces are prepared to resume attacks if a deal is not reached. "It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement," Trump said, adding that the United States has already inflicted major military and economic damage on Iran.
Trump said three aircraft carriers are positioned in the region and ready for combat, and that the United States has identified infrastructure targets, including power plants and bridges, that could be struck if hostilities resume. He noted that destroying such infrastructure would take years to rebuild, expressing reluctance to do so while still keeping the threat on the table.
The president also claimed that recent U.S. strikes have reduced Iran's missile and drone capabilities to roughly 10 percent and 15 percent of their former levels, respectively. "The only thing they can do is about 10% level — make some missiles and make some drones," he said.
Diplomatic activity in the Middle East has intensified following recent U.S. midterm elections. Qatar reported a conversation between Trump and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani aimed at de-escalating tensions, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with counterparts from several regional states. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not expect an imminent breakthrough, describing Iran's demands as "unacceptable, outrageous and unrealistic."