Trump says Iran has not agreed to a deal because ‘they’re strong, they’re proud’
10 reported
President Donald Trump said Friday that Iranian leaders have not yet reached a deal with the U.S. to end the ongoing war because they are “strong” and “proud,” but added that “they’ve got no choice” except to reach an agreement. Trump made the remarks during a sit-down interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The conflict entered its fourth month last week, and the U.S. and Iran have been negotiating to end it after agreeing to a ceasefire in April that has been extended several times. Tensions flared in recent days when the U.S. and Iran traded strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed months ago, leading to soaring oil prices globally and surging gas prices in the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told House lawmakers Wednesday that the military operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” “has concluded” and that the strikes were “defensive in nature” in response to Iranian attacks on ships. Trump criticized those urging a quick deal, comparing the conflict’s length to the Vietnam War, and said the U.S. has “totally destroyed their military” but that Iran still retains some missiles and drones, estimating about 21%-22% of their original missile capacity.
What’s reported
Trump said Iranian leaders have not reached a deal because they are “strong” and “proud,” but “they’ve got no choice.”
The conflict entered its fourth month last week.
A ceasefire was agreed to in April and has been extended several times.
The U.S. and Iran traded strikes near the Strait of Hormuz in recent days.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “Operation Epic Fury” “has concluded” and the strikes were “defensive in nature.”
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz months ago, causing soaring oil and gas prices.
Trump estimated Iran retains about 21%-22% of its missiles.
Iran launched attacks across the Persian Gulf this week, hitting Kuwait International Airport.
Trump said it was “unlikely” the U.S. blockade of Iran would still be in place by Labor Day.
Trump floated the possibility of not reaching a deal, saying he’ll have to make a “determination.”
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Kristen Welker, NBC News “Meet the Press” moderator
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Sources: NBC News
