President Donald Trump said yesterday that Iran is “seriously talking” with the United States, while declining to say whether he has decided on a potential military strike against the regime.
“Some people think that. Some people don’t,” Trump said when asked about concerns that backing away from a strike would embolden Tehran. “But they are talking to us, seriously talking to us,” the president told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump again refused to provide specifics about a possible military strike, repeating comments he has made previously.
“I certainly can’t tell you that, but we do have very big, powerful ships heading in that direction,” he said. “As you know, I can’t tell you. I hope they negotiate something that’s acceptable.”
The president’s remarks follow renewed warnings earlier this week that the United States could take military action if Iran does not agree to negotiate a nuclear deal, including Trump’s assertion that an “armada” was moving toward the region. He has also sharply criticized Iran’s violent crackdown on widespread anti-government protests.
In an exchange with reporters on Friday, Trump brushed aside questions about whether he might reduce the US naval presence near Iran.
“We’ll see how it all works out,” he said. “You know, they have to float someplace. They might as well float near Iran.”