Trump warns of Iran nuclear threat, praises US pressure campaign
Donald Trump warned Iran would use nuclear weapons if it acquired them, and credited US sanctions and pressure for weakening Tehran.
Key Takeaways
AIUS President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News aired early Monday that he sees no reason to oppose US efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He warned that Tehran would have used nuclear arms if it had obtained them.
Speaking on the program "Sunday Night in America," Trump described Iranian officials as "very violent and evil people," emphasizing the dangers of them possessing nuclear capabilities. He added, "If they had nuclear weapons, they would have used them."
Praise for pressure and sanctions policy
Trump praised the success of the blockade on Iranian ports, as well as the financial pressure campaign led by Washington against Tehran. He said these measures had contributed to Iran's decline, describing it as having become a "failed state."
The US president noted that Iran's military capabilities had suffered major losses, asserting that the Iranian navy and air force were "finished," along with Iran's leaders and air defenses.
Efforts to secure ceasefire in Strait of Hormuz
In the same context, the United States and Iran announced two ceasefire agreements in April and June aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as part of efforts to end a conflict that has lasted nearly six months. However, these agreements quickly collapsed without tangible progress.