Trump: We Have Not Delivered the Decisive Blow to Iran Yet as It Wants to Negotiate with Us

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States has not yet delivered a decisive blow to Iran because it wants to negotiate with us. Trump clarified in press remarks that Washington does not necessarily seek to change Iran’s regime in order to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while emphasizing his desire to avoid becoming entangled in a protracted military conflict. Trump also stressed Washington’s commitment to avoiding drawn-out scenarios, stating, “I do not want the current war to turn into a long-term conflict like the Vietnam War.” He noted that Iran is currently facing a severe financial and economic crisis, to the extent that it can no longer pay the salaries of its military forces, and pointed out that Tehran has shown a clear desire to reach a new agreement with the US administration. Regarding the possibility of a deal, Trump said the current obstacle lies in identifying the party with which Washington can negotiate directly inside Iran, noting that Iran’s leadership continues to speak about the option of negotiations. The US president added that Washington has not yet delivered a “decisive blow” to Iran, out of a desire to give it an opportunity to negotiate, but warned that the United States may at some point be forced to resolve the issue militarily if diplomatic efforts yield no results.