Washington, Oct 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday said Washington could bring its conflict with Iran to a swift conclusion but was weighing whether to intensify military action or allow mounting economic pressure to further weaken Tehran.
Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before leaving for a campaign rally in Florida, Trump claimed the United States had secured control over oil movements through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while restricting Iran’s access.
“We can end it very quickly, but Iran is a failing nation,” Trump said.
He argued that the American military campaign had left Iran economically weakened and that Washington was now in a position to decide how far it wanted to pursue the confrontation.
“The question is, do we want to finish it off, or do we just want to let it wither?” he said. “Because we’re getting everything we want.”
The remarks suggested that the administration was considering whether further military escalation was necessary when, according to Trump, existing pressure was already producing the desired results.
Trump placed particular emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes for international energy supplies.
He said American naval operations had ensured that commercial oil shipments could continue while Iran faced restrictions.
“We’re taking all the oil out that we want,” Trump said.
Referring to the US Navy’s role in the waterway, he added: “We have it blocked up for them, but nobody else.”
Trump also claimed that oil shipments through the strait had increased despite the continuing confrontation.
“In fact, last week we took more oil out than we have ever taken it out, even before the war,” he said.
Trump maintained that the pressure was taking a toll on Iran’s economy.
“So we have that, and they have inflation, they have no money,” he said.
He presented the situation as one in which Washington could maintain its existing approach or choose a more decisive military course.
The President did not clarify what additional action he might authorise or whether negotiations with Tehran were being considered.
His comments came during a wide-ranging exchange with reporters covering foreign policy, trade negotiations and domestic political developments ahead of the US midterm elections.
–IANS
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