Trump rules out resuming strikes on Iran amid progress in talks

Washington, Nov 8 (KUNA) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the chances of resuming military operations against Iran “remain extremely slim,” expressing his belief that new strikes are unnecessary as long as negotiations make progress on the Iranian nuclear file and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a telephone interview with CNN, Trump added that the situation depends on Iran’s willingness to reach an agreement he described as “very strong,” noting that Tehran is strongly seeking to strike a deal with Washington. He pointed out that Iran is facing difficult economic and military conditions due to the strikes it has suffered, saying its missile capabilities have declined to about 10 percent and its drone capabilities have fallen to around 15 percent as a result of the destruction of most of its factories. Although he ruled out a renewed military confrontation, Trump said U.S. forces deployed in the region remain on high alert, noting the presence of three fully equipped aircraft carriers capable of carrying out military operations if ordered. The U.S. president revealed that the United States had listed 38 bridges and power generation stations as potential targets inside Iran, indicating that the bridges could be destroyed within an hour if operations resume. Nevertheless, Trump expressed his reluctance to target Iranian infrastructure, clarifying that rebuilding destroyed facilities and bridges could take many years, while affirming that the military option remains on the table if necessity dictates. (End) A.M.M. / H.S.S.