Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying Washington would either reach a deal with Tehran or “finish the job,” while insisting that he preferred a diplomatic solution over military action.
Trump made the remarks at the White House as Iran held days-long funeral ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid ongoing tensions following the US-Iran conflict that began on February 28.
He said the US had the capability to destroy Iran’s infrastructure within hours but did not want to harm the country’s 91 million people.
“We’re going to win one way or the other. We’re going to either make a deal or we’re going to finish the job,” Trump said, adding that he would rather negotiate. He also claimed the US could target bridges, energy supplies and plants quickly if needed.
Referring to Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump said there would be no nuclear weapons and that Washington would secure Iran’s enriched nuclear material, which he described as “nuclear dust.”
Despite his warnings, Trump said he was not seeking regime change in Iran and wanted leaders to remain available for negotiations. He also commented on the large crowds at Khamenei’s funeral, saying he was surprised by the turnout.
Iran criticised Trump’s remarks, with the Iranian Embassy in Armenia saying the US lacked the civilisation, history and honour to understand the mourning over Khamenei’s death. The statement said that while people can be killed, their ideals cannot.
