Nov. 8 (UPI) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday it is “highly unlikely” he would order attacks on Iran if there is progress in talks over that country’s nuclear program and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump told CNN in a telephone interview, referencing Iran. “The answer is highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary. They’re a failing nation. It just came out, you saw this year, 301% inflation. Highly unlikely it will be necessary. I would if necessary, but we hit them really hard. I hit them so hard. You don’t know how hard I hit them.”
The sides have been in a stalemate in recent months. There has been little fighting or progress diplomatically, even as oil tankers have been attacked by Iran as they pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and Iran, along with mediator Qatar, have not disclosed much about negotiations.
Hardliners in Iran have interpreted the results of last week’s midterm elections — with anger at the war a key focus — as a chance the White House may be more amenable to Tehran’s demand it be permitted to continue its nuclear development program and continue to control the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has had problems selling crude oil because of U.S. sanctions, and billions of dollars in assets in overseas banks have been frozen.
Trump told CNN the U.S. military is prepared to fight if ordered.
“We’re ready for it. I’ve got three aircraft carriers here. The other one just arrived,” he said. “We have three. They’re fully locked and loaded.”
According to Trump, possible infrastructure targets in Iran, including power plants and bridges, have been identified.