Trump says return to Iran war ‘highly unlikely’ if talks advance

US President Donald Trump said that a return to direct military conflict with Iran remains “highly unlikely” if negotiations produce an agreement on its nuclear program and maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz.

“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement … The answer is highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary,” Trump told CNN, adding he would strike if he thinks it is “necessary.”

Trump emphasized that the American military had already inflicted severe damage during earlier engagements of the Iran war, maintaining that forces could resume strikes and “finish them off.”

“We’re ready for it. I’ve got three aircraft carriers here. The other one just arrived. We have three. They’re fully locked and loaded,” he said.

Turning to potential escalation scenarios, Trump asserted that US forces have identified 38 Iranian bridges that could be destroyed “in literally one hour.” However, he expressed reluctance to carry out strikes on civilian logistics networks, noting that rebuilding them would take a decade.

READ: Iran warns US of ‘devastating response’ if Washington starts war