WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States is close to reaching a “strong and effective” agreement with Iran, adding that diplomatic pressure, including restrictions on Iranian ports, has placed greater strain on Tehran than military action.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said Washington and Tehran were approaching a “very good, strong and powerful deal,” suggesting that negotiations were in their final stages.
He claimed the United States could continue military strikes on Iran for another two to three weeks if it chose to do so, but said such action would result in significant casualties, which he wants to avoid.
Trump said diplomatic engagement would be more effective than military operations and expressed hope that both sides could reach an agreement “stronger than war.”
The president also said that economic pressure and earlier U.S. measures had significantly weakened Iran’s economy, potentially pushing Tehran toward accepting a deal.
He added that wider bombing could have led to a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with serious consequences for global energy supplies and the international economy.
Trump further expressed optimism about broader peace efforts in the Middle East, saying the parties involved were in the “final stages” of discussions.
When asked about the timeline, he suggested a potential breakthrough could emerge within the next two to three days.
His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and ceasefire discussions between Iran and Israel drawing global attention.