Trump says US ‘won’ war, potential deal with Iran not essential

WASHINGTON:  US President Donald Trump downplayed the importance of a potential deal with Iran, saying the outcome of ongoing talks “does not matter much.” His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue following negotiations in Islamabad.

Donald Trump said that whether or not an agreement is reached with Iran, the United States will maintain its position. “We are seeing what happens next, but success or failure is not important to me,” he stated.

He added that both the recent conflict and ongoing negotiations share the same objective: preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The US president claimed that Washington has already secured the upper hand in its conflict with Iran. He alleged that Iran’s leadership had been eliminated and its naval, air, and defense capabilities significantly weakened.

Trump asserted that the United States had effectively achieved victory, regardless of the outcome of negotiations. Referring to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Trump said there were concerns about sea mines in the waterway.

He noted that US forces have started the process of clearing the area using modern equipment, expressing hope that it will reopen soon. ‘Serious Consequences’ if Arms Supplied. “If this is true, the consequences will be very serious,” he warned, signaling potential escalation if such support is confirmed.

Israel’s Netanyahu says campaign against Iran not over

In related development, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a defiant note, saying the Israeli campaign against Iran is not yet over.

Netanyahu said he had approved peace talks with Lebanon; however, in the same message he indicated that the campaign against Iran continues and that Israel is still engaged in fighting.

The statement came at a time when the United States and Iran were engaged in peace talks under Pakistan’s mediation.

He also listed a number of gains achieved in Israel’s military campaign, including a claim that Iran’s nuclear programme has been brought to an end.

He said these gains are not yet complete; Iran still holds enriched material for a nuclear programme and, as President Trump has said, it must be removed, either through an agreement or by other means.