WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the ongoing conflict with Iran will not last long, adding that the Strait of Hormuz will automatically reopen once the US military exits the region.
In an interview with an American newspaper, Trump said, “The main objective of the war with Iran was to ensure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons. The US will not stay in Iran for a long time. The war with Iran aims to destroy Iran’s remaining aggressive capabilities.”
“We are effectively neutralizing Iran at the moment. There is still work to be done to eliminate their remaining offensive capabilities,” Trump said in an interview.
The US President also directed the countries that use the Strait of Hormuz to open it. “Countries that use the Strait of Hormuz should go ahead and open it themselves,” he said.
Previously, Trump had criticized European countries for not taking any role in the ongoing Iran conflict. The US President said, “You should either buy jet fuel from us or get oil from the Strait of Hormuz independently. America will not always come to your aid. You need to learn to fight on your own, just like you didn’t stand with us.”
The US President took a jab at France too, who he said was not cooperating in the conflict with Iran. “Israel has even ended its defense agreements with France over their lack of support in the Iran conflict,” Trump said.
Araghchi confirms direct messages from Wittekoff, but no formal talks underway
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi has confirmed that while Tehran has received direct messages from U.S. Special Representative, David Wittekoff, no formal negotiations are taking place between the two nations. Araqhchi disclosed to Qatari state broadcaster that the United States sent him US government messages which contained threats yet the US government messages did not lead to official diplomatic meetings.
Araqhchi declared that Iran will not accept a temporary ceasefire because the country wants to bring permanent peace to the conflict. Iran does not seek a temporary truce but insists on a complete and comprehensive end to the conflict he remarked. The statement from him indicates that Tehran wants a permanent peace solution which will prevent any future wars from occurring.
The Iranian Foreign Minister confirmed that some security-related discussions are taking place through Pakistan but made it clear that these exchanges are not part of official negotiations. Araqhchi explained that the messages which contain threats do not constitute formal diplomatic negotiations.
Iranian officials have not reached any agreements to the United States 15-point proposals according to Araqhchi. He stated that Iran has not proposed any conditions or proposals to the other side. He explained that all official messages between the two parties have gone through the Foreign Ministry. The two countries maintain active security communications through their respective security agencies.
Araqhchi denied all rumours about secret diplomatic negotiations because he claimed that Iranian people had direct contact with American diplomats. “The claims are false The official channels provided the only means for all completed communications,” he declared.
Araqhchi issued a serious warning about the US threats. “Iran will take defensive action when its territory faces military invasion. The Iranian military remains in full readiness to respond to any potential threat which we monitor from our adversaries,” he said.
The US and Iran have reached a point of increased tension because both nations are exchanging threats while displaying military strength. The US seeks immediate diplomatic talks and ceasefire agreements while Iran maintains its position for a complete solution to the situation.
