Is Iran Eager for Peace? Trump Claims They Want a Deal Amid Tensions
Trump's Insights on Iran and Ceasefire
Washington: President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran is "eager to negotiate" to conclude the ongoing conflict, which is currently on hold, and he has largely dismissed the idea of resuming air strikes.
During a media briefing at the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump made these comments as Iran issued warnings of potential new attacks if the US were to restart military actions, which have been paused since a ceasefire was established on April 8.
"I don't believe we need to do that," Trump responded when asked if he felt compelled to break the ceasefire.
The president emphasized that US military efforts have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities.
"Their navy has been decimated. Their air force is nearly non-existent, and their drone manufacturing is down by about 82 percent. Their missile production has also suffered, with factories operating at nearly 90 percent less capacity," he stated.
Trump further claimed, "We have effectively dismantled their nuclear capabilities," attributing the collapse of the Iranian economy to the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
"They are not generating revenue from oil, and I hope a resolution can be reached soon," he added.
Trump insisted, "Iran is desperate to reach an agreement," mentioning that only a select few are privy to the details of the ongoing negotiations.
"The only ones who know about the discussions are myself and a couple of others," he remarked.
Additionally, Trump took the opportunity to reiterate his assertion of having halted eight conflicts, including the India-Pakistan war last year, by threatening to impose tariffs on both nations.
"I have resolved eight wars, and in each instance, the leaders expressed their gratitude to me in letters," Trump claimed.
"In the case of India, the most significant was with Pakistan. The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that I saved 30 to 50 million lives, though it could have been even more," he noted.
Trump mentioned that two nuclear-armed nations were on the brink of war, with 11 aircraft downed.
"They were in the initial stages of what could have escalated into a disastrous conflict. I managed to resolve it. How did I do it? By threatening tariffs. I said, 'I will impose tariffs if you continue to fight,'" he explained.
Since May 10 of last year, Trump has consistently claimed credit for averting the India-Pakistan conflict, announcing on social media that both countries had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire following US-mediated discussions.
India has consistently refuted any claims of third-party involvement.