Trump Discusses Potential End to Iran and Ukraine Conflicts
Trump's Insights on Ongoing Conflicts
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump indicated that the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine might conclude around the same time, following a productive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He remarked to reporters in the Oval Office, "Which war would end first? Maybe they're on a similar timetable." During the discussion, Trump mistakenly stated regarding the situation in Ukraine, "I think Ukraine, militarily, they're defeated," before shifting focus to Iran's military status.
"You wouldn't know that by reading the fake news, but militarily, maybe look, there are 159 ships — every ship is right now under water, typically, that's pretty good… it'd be hard for them to make a naval comeback now," he told CNN's Kaitlan Collins. He questioned, "Do you think they're doing well, where they have no navy, no air force, no anti-aircraft apparatus?" The U.S. initiated military actions against Iran on February 28, with Trump previously estimating the conflict could last four to six weeks. In contrast, the war in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2022 without a clear resolution.
Trump mentioned that his call with Putin primarily revolved around Ukraine, although they also touched on Iran. He expressed optimism, stating, "I think we're going to come up with a solution relatively quickly," and added, "I hope, I think, we'd like to see a solution that's good." He noted that Putin had offered assistance regarding Iran's enriched uranium, saying, "He would like to be of help. I said, before you help me, I want to end your war."
Moscow has previously suggested managing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, reminiscent of the 2015 nuclear deal. While Trump did not dismiss this possibility, he emphasized that his main focus is on resolving the Ukraine conflict. He remarked, "I've known him a long time. I think he was ready to make a deal a while ago," attributing the lack of progress to external pressures on Putin.
In a separate statement, Trump noted that negotiations with Iran are currently being conducted via phone due to the challenges of long-distance travel. He stated, "We're doing it telephonically, and it's very nice. I make a call, or I have my people make a call, and you know the answer in 15," while expressing a preference for face-to-face meetings despite the logistical difficulties.
Sources have indicated that Pakistan may receive an updated Iranian peace proposal by Friday, as discussions continue without significant progress. Trump reiterated that any agreement would depend on Iran renouncing its nuclear ambitions, stating, "There will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons," while acknowledging Iran's progress in negotiations but questioning if it would be sufficient.
He also praised the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports as "genius" and "foolproof," delivering a stern warning to Tehran. "Iran has to cry uncle, that's all they have to do. Just say, ‘We give up'," he stated. Trump claimed that U.S. military actions have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities, asserting, "The US knocked out" Iran's navy, air force, and air defense systems, and noted that approximately 80 percent of its missile production facilities have been destroyed. "They have very little left. They have some missiles, a small percentage," he added. "Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Trump concluded. "They know it and just about everybody else does."