If negotiations between the United States and Iran move forward, U.S. President Donald Trump may abandon plans for large-scale attacks on Iran, Fox News reported. A journalist from the network conducted a phone interview with the American leader.
Negotiations with Iran? Interview with the U.S. President
Fox News journalist Bret Baier spoke with Donald Trump over the phone. He noted that it was Trump who initiated the call. Asked about the likelihood of negotiations with Iran, Trump reportedly said he would not place any bets, but added that he still stands by his threat to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges at 8:00 p.m. Washington time (2:00 a.m. in Poland).
Baier reported that Trump said if it comes to that point, an attack unlike anything seen before would take place. For now, he is sticking to that position. However, he added that if negotiations make progress and something concrete emerges, the situation could change. At present, Trump does not want to take that risk. He also emphasized that “we are moving forward according to the plans we have. This is a big deal,” the journalist relayed.
Meanwhile, another Fox News journalist, Will Hemmer, spoke with a senior U.S. official who indicated that ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran have so far been “positive,” though it remains unclear whether an agreement can be reached before the deadline set by President Donald Trump.
“We are in full contact with [Iran]. Absolutely. The talks are going well. If we are lucky, we will achieve something by the end of the day,” the official said.
Trump has given Iran until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 a.m. Wednesday in Poland) to accept an agreement that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz. If Iran fails to meet the deadline, Trump has threatened a drastic escalation of the conflict, targeting the country’s power plants and transport infrastructure.