‘They better behave’: Trump rules out setting any deadline for Iran before bombing its bridges
Responding to a question about whether Trump gave Terhan any time before launching an attack on civilian assets within the Islamic Republic, Trump said, “I don’t like to give deadlines, but they know it well, they know the story. They better behave themselves.”
Also read: US strikes on Iran strengthen Trump’s options for new escalation, officials say
Trump made this statement after arriving in Pennsylvania to attend the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit.
On Tuesday, Trump warned in an interview on Fox News that the United States would begin targeting Iranian power plants and bridges “next week” as part of border strikes against the Islamic Republic if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table.
He also warned that if Iran cannot reach a deal with Washington, “it will have no one left.”
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said, “Tomorrow night we’re going to hit them very hard. The next night we’re going to hit them very hard and next week it’s going to be really bad for them because next week the power plants are coming. Next week the bridges are coming. We’re going to knock out all the power plants. We’re going to knock down all the bridges unless they come to the table and negotiate.” An agreement was reached between Washington and Tehran to end hostilities in West Asia.
According to CNN, US and Iranian representatives remain in contact, but the Trump administration has argued that negotiations cannot move forward if Iran continues to limit maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about the duration of the military operation, Trump said the attacks would continue until he decided otherwise.
The US President also refused to rule out the possibility of deploying American ground troops to Iran, although he stated that he preferred other options.
“Sometimes you need ground operations, but we have others who can do ground operations for us,” Trump added.
Trump also increased pressure on Tehran to reach a deal with Washington, warning that Iran would face serious consequences if it refused.
“You’d better make a deal,” said Trump, adding, “You’ll have no one left.”
Trump also stated that the United States is taking measures to minimize civilian casualties.
“We’re being very careful with the civilian population,” Trump said, repeating: “But I said you better make a deal. You’ll be left with nothing.”
Also read: Trump threatens attacks on power plants and bridges in Iran ‘next week’ and says ‘nobody will be left’ without deal
According to Trump, the warning was delivered during the last meeting between US representatives and Iranian officials, which he said took place “about an hour ago”.
Asked if he believed Iran would accept a deal, Trump said: “They should. I don’t know if they will.”
This came after US Central Command said it had resumed a naval blockade targeting ships traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, hours after an “additional round of attacks” on the Islamic Republic amid rising tensions in West Asia.
