Trump Warns Iran Is Desperate for Deal, Calls Strait of Hormuz US Territory
US President Donald Trump addressed his supporters overnight regarding the situation with Iran, asserting that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons and describing the country as desperate for a deal. He emphasized that the US currently controls the Strait of Hormuz, calling it American territory. Prior to boarding his plane, Trump highlighted Iran’s economic collapse, noting its lack of funds, navy, air force, and inability to pay its military and police, with inflation at 350%. He stated, "They want a deal, but they are not ready to make the deal I want."
Earlier this week, Trump confirmed that no talks with Tehran are ongoing or planned. Iranian Revolutionary Guards and military commanders warned that any escalation could lead to attacks on US military assets, energy facilities, and infrastructure in the Middle East. In response to stalled negotiations, Trump announced new economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against Iran and its proxies, calling it an "economic D-Day." On his social media platform Truth Social, he declared the launch of the largest economic operation against any country, aiming for unprecedented economic warfare and international isolation.
Trump warned that any country aiding Iran financially or logistically would face severe economic consequences. He urged US allies to stand united to isolate and defeat the Iranian threat, stating, "These lunatics are on the ropes, and these historic steps will hurt them and their ability to spread terror worldwide. Iran will never have nuclear weapons."
Meanwhile, the British Financial Times reported that Iran is considering attacks on military targets in Europe if Trump follows through on his threats. Iranian forces have reportedly surveyed US assets in Southeastern Europe, with Bulgaria and Cyprus identified as potential targets due to their support for US strikes. Iran has also explored the possibility of attacking undersea fiber optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled negotiations and recent appointments of hardliners to senior security and military positions by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is reassessing US military posture in the Middle East, potentially marking a turning point in American presence there amid ongoing conflict. The Defense Department is considering withdrawing forces from the Persian Gulf, where major US bases have suffered from months of Iranian attacks.
