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US President Donald Trump said a return to direct military conflict with Iran is “highly unlikely” if negotiations produce an agreement covering Tehran’s nuclear program and shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing that American forces are ready to resume strikes if he considers them necessary.
Speaking to CNN, Trump made clear that the outcome hinges on Iran’s willingness to commit to the terms Washington wants.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” he said, adding that the answer to whether force would be needed is “highly unlikely.” He said he would order strikes if he judged them “necessary.”
Trump argued that US forces had already done heavy damage to Iran in earlier fighting and could return to “finish them off.” He pointed to the American naval presence as evidence of readiness, saying three aircraft carriers are now in the region, the latest of which had just arrived. “They’re fully locked and loaded,” he said.
Trump also described how a renewed campaign could escalate. He said US forces have identified 38 Iranian bridges that could be destroyed “in literally one hour.”
He said he was reluctant to hit civilian logistics networks, however, noting that rebuilding such infrastructure would take about a decade.
The two issues Trump named have long been central to tensions between Washington and Tehran. Western governments have for years pressed Iran over its nuclear activities, which Tehran has said are for peaceful purposes. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf to the open sea, is one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments.
Trump did not say in the remarks reported here when a deal might be concluded.
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