Trump says fresh war with Iran is highly unlikely
US President Donald Trump stated that military action against Tehran depends on progress regarding nuclear negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington will probably not need to restart military operations against Iran if negotiations regarding the nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz move forward, according to a Times Now report.
Speaking to CNN, Trump stated that while a conflict is improbable, American forces remain prepared to conduct strikes if a strong agreement is not signed. He noted that Iran is facing financial difficulties, citing a 301 per cent inflation rate this year.
The President mentioned that the US has identified specific infrastructure targets in Iran, such as bridges and power plants, that could be hit. He noted that 38 bridges are on a list that could be destroyed within one hour, though he expressed a preference against such destruction because rebuilding them would take years.
Trump claimed that previous strikes have significantly weakened Iran's military, stating that their anti-aircraft capabilities are gone. He estimated that Iran currently retains only 10 per cent of its missile capacity and 15 per cent of its drone capabilities due to destroyed manufacturing infrastructure.
The conflict has reached a stalemate eight months after it began, with Iranian attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz continuing. While the US, Iran, and mediator Qatar have not disclosed the status of talks, Iranian hardliners suggested the Republican Party's recent midterm election defeat might weaken Trump's position.
Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is for civilian energy. The country is also facing economic pressure from US sanctions and frozen assets in foreign banks.
