US President Donald Trump has stated that any agreement to end the conflict with Iran must be 'perfect,' emphasising that he did not engage in the three-month-long war to secure a 'crummy agreement.' Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Trump claimed that Tehran is 'negotiating on fumes' and desires a settlement, but noted that unresolved issues remain, reiterating the possibility of renewed attacks to 'finish the job.'
Oman Warned Over Strait of Hormuz
Trump also issued a warning to Oman, asserting that the Gulf state must 'behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow them up.' This follows reports that Oman has been in discussions with Iran regarding the implementation of a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil and gas shipments.
Conflict and Negotiations
The president's remarks came after he mistakenly referred to Venezuela instead of Iran while discussing the Middle East conflict. American forces had previously captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January and transported him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Talks aimed at permanently ending hostilities between the US and Iran have stalled following a recent exchange of fire that disrupted the fragile truce. The negotiations primarily focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which Washington fears could be used to develop nuclear weapons.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route for oil and gas, was open to shipping before the US and Israeli offensive against Iran. Tehran's control over the Gulf channel has had significant economic repercussions worldwide, including in the UK, leading to a spike in petrol prices.
Trump's Stance on Iran
Referring to Iran, Trump stated: 'They want very much to make a deal. So far, they haven't gotten there. We're not satisfied with it, but we will be. Either that or we'll have to just finish the job.' He added: 'Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, everything's gone, and they're negotiating on fumes. We'll see what happens, maybe we have to go back and finish it, maybe we don't.'
Insisting that the Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately as part of any agreement, Trump said: 'It's got to be perfect. I didn't do this to get a crummy agreement.'
Oman and International Waters
When asked about a potential deal between Iran and Oman regarding the waterway, Trump asserted that no country would have control, though the US would 'watch over it.' He stated: 'It's international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that. They'll be fine.'
Trump also opposed the idea of Russia or China taking custody of Iran's nuclear material as part of a peace deal, saying: 'That would not make me comfortable.'
Downplaying the Conflict
Earlier, the president sought to downplay the military stand-off with Iran, asserting that crucial upcoming congressional elections would not influence his stance, despite widespread voter disapproval of the offensive. Trump remarked: 'I don't call it a war. I call it a conflict.' In a moment of confusion, he added: 'Despite the conflict with Venezuela, who no longer has a navy, no longer has an air force, no longer has a lot of people that were leading the country into very bad places.'
