Trump Believes Iran Will "Yield" Amid Nuclear Standoff

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Iran will eventually "yield," reiterating that the United States' objective remains preventing the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons. "They are doing very badly. I don't know if they are ready to give up yet, but they will eventually," Trump said. He also asserted that the U.S. had recently allowed a record amount of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, describing this action as part of the American campaign against Iran's nuclear program. When questioned about the differing approaches to Iran and North Korea, which already possesses nuclear weapons, Trump cited his personal relationship with Kim Jong-un, calling him a "friend" who "likes Trump" and "respects" him. These remarks come as the U.S. and Iran continue indirect communications facilitated by Qatar. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Tehran reportedly proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations within a week, in exchange for the end of the U.S. naval blockade, the lifting of restrictions on its oil exports, and the re-establishment of a regional ceasefire. Trump reportedly rejected this proposal. The president had previously stated that the conflict with Iran could end "very soon," expressing confidence in a U.S. victory and predicting a significant drop in gasoline prices following a favorable outcome for Washington. Trump emphasized the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran, stating, "They cannot have nuclear weapons," and asserting it would endanger Israel, the Middle East, and the United States.