US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of deliberately delaying a peace agreement in the hope of securing better terms after November's midterm elections. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump claimed Tehran was trying to 'outwait' him, but insisted the strategy would fail.
'They thought they were going to outwait me, you know, we'll outwait him, he's got the midterms,' Trump said. He dismissed the notion that the elections would affect his approach, pointing to the recent primary victory of his endorsed candidate Ken Paxton in Texas as evidence of his political strength.
Trump described Iran's economy as being in freefall, with 250% inflation and a devalued currency, arguing that this made it imperative for Tehran to compromise. He stated that current negotiations had stalled because 'we're not satisfied with it,' but added, 'Either that, or we will just have to finish the job.'
On the Strait of Hormuz, Trump rejected any deal that would give Iran or Oman control, insisting it must remain open to all. 'It's international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up,' he said. He noted that a potential agreement would see the strait reopen immediately.
The president also appeared to contradict himself on the Abraham Accords, initially suggesting that any Iran deal should be contingent on Arab allies signing the accords, but later backtracking when pressed. He also claimed to have brought about regime change in Iran through the assassinations of its leaders, including the supreme leader, though his successor is considered more hardline.
The cabinet meeting, originally scheduled for Camp David, was moved to the White House due to adverse weather. Trump's comments come as his approval ratings decline and economic pessimism rises amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
