Washington, July 22: President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that Iran is keen to engage in discussions with the United States, despite ongoing military pressure from Washington. He warned that if Iran attempts to restart or enhance its nuclear program, the U.S. will strike those sites.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, Trump dismissed claims that Iran is unwilling to negotiate.
“Iran wants to meet with us very badly. However, we are not interested until they are serious and ready to negotiate properly,” Trump said.
He asserted that U.S. military actions have significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities. “Even if we were to leave now, it would take Iran 20 to 25 years to rebuild everything. But our work is not done yet,” he added.
Warning about nuclear activities, Trump stated, “Any site where they are even thinking about their nuclear program, we will attack with great, great force.”
When asked if Iran had relocated nuclear centrifuges, Trump acknowledged it was possible but emphasized that without the necessary materials, it would be meaningless. “We are keeping an eye on that material. That is the real issue,” he said.
Trump reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. “They cannot produce them. They have no chance of doing so,” he declared.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, present at the meeting, indicated that the U.S. is prepared to take strong action if Iran disrupts commercial shipping. “Iran has been given many opportunities for dialogue. If they attack commercial vessels, we will respond with ten times the force,” he warned.
Trump noted that the U.S. naval blockade remains effective, stating, “No one can breach the blockade. It is like a strong iron wall.”
He also downplayed concerns about renewed attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, saying, “So far, that has not happened. If it does, we will have to deal with it.”
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with military confrontations persisting between Iran, Israel, and Iran-backed armed groups over the past several months.
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