U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised when Iran struck neighboring countries, while emphasizing that he is in no hurry to reach a deal with Tehran and intends to get what he wants.
In a Fox interview that aired Tuesday (local time), Trump said of Iran's strikes on neighboring countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the U.S. attack on Iran: "We were surprised. I was surprised, too." The remarks are interpreted as meaning that he had not anticipated Iran's attacks on its neighbors after the launch of the "Magnificent Fury" operation against Iran on February 28. "Actually, I viewed that issue positively," Trump said, "because those countries (after being attacked) sided with the United States."
Trump, who was interviewed by Lara Trump, the wife of his second son Eric Trump, again sent mixed messages on the state of negotiations. Trump claimed that "we are close to a very good deal with Iran," while also stressing that "if we cannot reach a good deal, we will activate the department we call the 'Department of War.'"
"Originally, Iran said, 'We will not develop nuclear weapons,'" Trump said. "I asked, 'Then what if you purchase nuclear weapons?' Now the wording reads, 'We will not develop nuclear weapons or purchase military weapons in any way.' That's a big difference." The remarks are interpreted to mean that the agreement document with Iran would include provisions not only against developing nuclear weapons but also against purchasing nuclear-related weapons in the future.
"We are slowly getting what we want," he added. "The other side are very tough negotiators. It takes a long time." Trump stressed: "I'm not in a hurry. If you rush, you can't make a good deal. Slowly but surely, I think we are getting what we want." He also said, "I would prefer to reach a deal, because the strait could be opened immediately upon signing." However, he warned that "if we don't get what we want, we will end it another way."
In a related development, the New York Times (NYT), citing three officials, reported that Trump did not approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran and sent a revised proposal containing tougher terms back to the Iranian side. While the specific revisions are not known, officials said Trump had expressed concerns about an interim agreement that included measures to release Iran's frozen funds. Trump was also reported to have expressed dissatisfaction that Iran was taking too long to respond to U.S. proposals.
Asked about the timing of any renewed attack on Iran in relation to the midterm elections, Trump noted that U.S. elections come around every two years and assessed that "the time we can actually use is really short." The implication is that while he could attack Iran right after the midterms, the presidential election is scheduled two years later, and there is no guarantee the war could be ended within that period. "I don't think you should consider such timing (elections); you should do the right thing," Trump stressed.
As demands on Iran, he reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened immediately and made freely available without tolls, and that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons.
