President Trump said talks with Iran were close to an agreement but warned that
if negotiations fail the U.S. would "finish the job." He asserted U.S. forces
could destroy Iran's electricity grid, power plants and bridges "in less than an
afternoon," but said he prefers a deal to avoid harming Iran's 91 million
population. Trump reiterated Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and said the
U.S. would secure enriched nuclear material, while denying an objective of
regime change. He also claimed U.S. forces have destroyed all 159 Iranian
vessels and all Iranian military aircraft and radar systems. On oil, Trump said
global crude is trading below pre-conflict levels and that U.S. forces covertly
escorted tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during a blockade to maintain
supply and prevent prices reaching $300–350 per barrel.
