Washington, 25 July (H.S.): US President Donald Trump on Friday said Iran was becoming increasingly serious in negotiations with Washington, while stating that he had not yet made a final decision on launching major military strikes against Tehran.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said discussions with Iran were continuing and suggested that diplomatic efforts could determine the next course of action.
No, I haven't, Trump said when asked whether he had decided on a large-scale military operation against Iran.
Look, we're talking to them right now. I think they're getting more and more serious as the days go by, for maybe the obvious reason, he added.
Trump warned that Iran faced a choice between reaching an agreement with the United States or facing a much higher level of military action. His comments came after nearly two weeks of US strikes that have disrupted a previous ceasefire arrangement.
The US has said its military operations are aimed at preventing Iran from closing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Iran has responded with attacks on US bases, resulting in the deaths of four American service members.
We're locked and loaded and ready to go. But we're talking to them, so I think while we're talking, we'll see what comes of it. I believe they're very serious. They should be, Trump said.
The conflict, which Trump had earlier predicted would last only a few weeks, has now entered its fifth month. The prolonged confrontation has also created political challenges for the US president ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump said he had not determined what would trigger a final decision on military action but reiterated that his main concern remained preventing Iran from reaching a point where it could develop a nuclear weapon.
Earlier on Friday, reports suggested that Trump had held discussions with senior advisers regarding possible military options against Iran. He also reportedly considered a massive attack if diplomatic efforts failed.
Trump separately addressed concerns over possible military support for Iran from Russia and China. He said leaders of both countries had assured him they would not provide weapons to Tehran.
I will tell you that President Xi said he will not partake, and President Putin said the same thing. I think you know I trust them. I don't think they'd want to have me disappointed, Trump said.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump had earlier warned Moscow and Beijing against supplying weapons to Iran, saying such a move would not be in their interests.
Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had assured him during their meeting in Beijing in May that China would not arm Iran, while Russian President Vladimir Putin had made a similar commitment.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
