Remarks made in KCMO radio interview

Trump continues to hint at possible strikes after midterms

US President Donald Trump. [AP]
US President Donald Trump. [AP]

US President Donald Trump signaled that the military conflict with Iran would soon be over, while saying a firm guarantee permanently blocking Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons must be secured first.

According to Reuters, Trump told Kansas City radio station KCMO in Missouri on Friday (local time) that the war with Iran "will be finished soon," adding, "We need a guarantee that they will never, ever have nuclear weapons." Trump did not specify the concrete means or a clear timeline for bringing the conflict to an end.

Trump had previously stated that the United States would not strike Iran before the midterm elections scheduled for Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly hinted, however, that a major military strike could follow shortly after the vote. The US military has in recent weeks bolstered its presence in the Middle East — deploying additional air defense systems and ammunition — while relocating some troops from bases considered at high risk of Iranian retaliatory strikes.

At the same time, the administration is pursuing diplomatic options alongside its military pressure campaign. Vice President JD Vance is reported to have delivered a letter to Iranian officials through Qatari mediation, formally proposing a resumption of negotiations.


hwshin@heraldcorp.com