US President Donald Trump has said that the ongoing conflict with Iran is “close to over”, suggesting that the situation could stabilise soon, reported the PTI.
In an interview with Fox News, recorded on Tuesday, Trump stated that he believes the war is nearing its end and claimed that if the United States withdrew now, Iran would take decades to recover.
“I think it`s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over,” Trump told Fox News in an interview that will be telecast later Wednesday.
The comments came shortly after United States Central Command announced that it had effectively blocked maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports within the first 24 hours of a US-led blockade.
The US said the move was aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview for the programme “Mornings with Maria”, he said, “I think it`s – I had to divert because if I didn`t do that, right now you`d have Iran with a nuclear weapon. And if they had a nuclear weapon, you`d be calling everyone over there `sir,` and you don`t want to do that.”
Nuclear concerns highlighted
According to the PTI, Trump defended his actions by stating that intervention was necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
He reiterated that allowing Iran to acquire such capabilities would pose a serious global threat and insisted that his administration remains firm on preventing that outcome.
Talks in Islamabad may resume
Despite ongoing tensions, diplomatic efforts appear to be continuing. Recent talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, the news agency reported.
However, Trump indicated that a second round of discussions could take place within days, signalling a possible path towards de-escalation, the news agency reported.
Pakistan’s role in mediation
Trump praised Asim Munir for his role in facilitating dialogue, suggesting that Pakistan’s involvement has increased the likelihood of further negotiations, as per the PTI.
He did not confirm whether key members of the US negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, would continue to lead future talks.
The US President emphasised that he does not want Iran to feel it has gained any advantage from the conflict.
He rejected suggestions of a long-term moratorium, reiterating that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top priority.
(with PTI inputs)
Iran war‘close to over’, says Trump amid blockade at Strait of Hormuz
