Trump says US could leave Iran now but wants lasting outcome

Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the United States could end its conflict with Iran immediately but emphasized the importance of ensuring a lasting outcome, according to Anadolu Ajansi. "It’ll end very soon. We could leave now, but we want to make sure it lasts for a long time," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina.

He asserted that Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon." Trump also mentioned the US has imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which he dubbed the "Trump Strait." His comments came as The New York Times reported that US and Israeli militaries have developed plans for possible renewed strikes on Iran following the US midterm elections, based on information from US officials and other sources.

The report stated that it is highly uncertain if Trump would approve such strikes, noting that he has consistently blocked plans to resume major combat this year. A White House official told the Times that the administration refrains from commenting on military plans that may or may not materialize. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran on February 28, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks in the region, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global energy supplies.

A memorandum of understanding signed in June between the US and Iran via Pakistani and Qatari mediation has since stalled due to various disagreements, including disputes over navigation in the strait.