Trump ties further strikes to Iran’s response
President Trump said renewed U.S. strikes on Iran were “highly unlikely” if Tehran makes progress toward a nuclear agreement and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement. I would if necessary, but we hit them really hard,” he said.
Trump said U.S. forces remained ready: “I have got three aircraft carriers here. They are fully locked and loaded”.
He also claimed the U.S. could destroy 38 Iranian bridges within an hour and that Iran retained only 10% of its missile capacity and 15% of its drone capabilities.
Trump said: “Most likely it will not be necessary. They want to make a deal so badly”.
In a separate statement, Trump said:
“Task Force Iron Gate is in full force and effect in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Coupled with history’s greatest naval blockade, very little gets into, or out of, Iran!”
Qatar presses for a peaceful resolution
President Trump met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House yesterday. Afterward, Trump told Reuters that Doha preferred a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Iran, while Washington remained prepared to launch military strikes if necessary. He said Saudi Arabia also favored a diplomatic solution.
Trump posted:
“I had an excellent conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, wherein much was discussed with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most importantly, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, would prefer the status quo, in other words, a continuation of the Greatest Naval Blockade in History, and the new Operation Iron Gate — Therefore, Land and Sea. All have agreed that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon — That is non-negotiable!
Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is “locked and loaded” and ready to go. At this point, however, that seems to be quite unlikely. Israel, and the entire Middle East, are protected from Iranian danger and threats.
We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this Conflict, and will ensure that America’s interests are at all times protected. At the conclusion of this Military Engagement, the American People, and the World, will be far safer and more secure.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said:
“The President would always prefer to solve this and every problem diplomatically. Sometimes that’s not possible, unfortunately.”
“Right now it hasn’t been productive because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable, but in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous, and really not realistic.”
Rubio said Washington would consider a good proposal if one were presented.
Netanyahu and Katz warn about Iran’s nuclear ambitions
Defense Minister Israel Katz said:
“Regarding Iran, the mission is not yet complete. Iran is attempting to renew its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, alongside other grave endeavors that pose a real danger to the State of Israel. We cannot accept these threats”.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said:
“The only way to eliminate the Iranian threat forever is to topple the ayatollah’s regime”.
He also warned:
“In the very near future, we will face international pressure to accept a nuclear Iran”.
The Financial Times reported that Netanyahu had been calling President Trump “every day” to press for renewed U.S. strikes on Iran.
