US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran will end “very soon,” warning Tehran that it would be taught a “tough lesson” and stressing that Washington’s patience with Iran has run out.
Trump said the Iranians were waiting anxiously, adding that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon and that energy prices would fall sharply once the war ends.
Trump also criticized the administration of former US President Barack Obama, saying it had provided billions of dollars to Iran and should have prevented Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Trump had previously said the United States would make a decision on Iran “very soon,” describing it as a “failed state” and saying that it has no economy and does not pay the salaries of its soldiers.
Trump’s remarks come as the war between the United States and Iran enters its eighth month, amid disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and the terms for ending the confrontation.
Washington is demanding that Tehran reduce its uranium-enrichment capabilities, while the two sides have yet to reach an agreement to end the war.
Negotiations have stalled despite an exchange of proposals in recent weeks, alongside efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies, following the collapse of an initial ceasefire agreement in June.
The war and disruptions to oil supplies have pushed prices higher and increased pressure on energy markets. Brent crude was trading at around $106.58 a barrel on Wednesday amid concerns over supply disruptions.
Trump has linked the end of the war to lower energy prices as the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3 approach.
The nuclear issue remains one of the main obstacles to a settlement, amid disagreements over Iran’s uranium-enrichment capabilities and continuing questions about its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the locations where it is stored, as restrictions remain on access for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.
Washington says its objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.