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US President Donald Trump has said Washington is not holding talks with Iran, but suggested that there would be an outcome to the ongoing conflict between the two countries soon.
He made the remarks to reporters on Wednesday (October 21), local time, while returning from a rally in South Carolina.
Asked whether the United States was holding talks with Iran, Trump said, “No, I don’t think we’re talking. But something’s going to happen, one way or the other, pretty soon.”
Trump added that most people believed action on the issue might come after the US midterm elections. For now, they were waiting to see what happens, he said.
Earlier, at the rally in South Carolina, Trump said the United States could end the war with Iran immediately if it wanted to. However, he said he wanted to ensure that the outcome would be lasting.
“It’ll be over pretty soon. We could leave right now, but we want to make sure that it’s done in such a way that it stays for a long time,” Trump said.
He claimed that the United States had defeated Iran both militarily and economically. He also said Iran would never be able to develop nuclear weapons.
Amid Trump’s remarks, The New York Times reported that the US and Israeli militaries had drawn up plans for fresh strikes on Iran following the US midterm elections.
The report cited US officials and several people familiar with the discussions.
However, it remains uncertain whether Trump will authorise new strikes on Iran. According to the report, Trump has repeatedly vetoed several plans to resume a major military campaign this year.
A White House official told The New York Times that the administration does not comment on military plans that may or may not exist. Source: Anadolu Agency
