No Talks Under Way With Iran, Something Big Will Happen Very Soon: Trump
US President Donald Trump has said Washington is not currently holding any talks with Iran. He also hinted that something big is about to happen very soon.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters on his way back to the White House on Wednesday after an election rally in South Carolina.
Asked by reporters, Trump said he did not think they were negotiating. One way or another, something is going to happen very soon, he said.
Trump added that most people think it will happen after the midterm elections, but they are watching the situation and will see what happens. His remarks left the timing uncertain while making the hint of an event clear.
Earlier, in his rally speech, Trump claimed the United States could end the ongoing conflict with Iran right now if it wanted, but Washington wants a permanent solution that will last.
It will end very soon, he said. They could have walked away right now, but they want to make sure the result is long-lasting.
Trump also claimed the United States has defeated Iran militarily and economically and that Iran will never be able to possess a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, a New York Times report citing US military and other sources said the US and Israeli militaries are planning renewed joint airstrikes on Iran after the US midterm elections.
Whether Trump will approve that plan remains in doubt, however, because, according to the report, he has blocked plans to enter a major military conflict several times this year.
A White House official, commenting on the report, said the administration does not comment on any military plan that may or may not exist.
On 28 February, the United States and Israel began a military operation against Iran. In response, Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East and closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
Later, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries in June through the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, but disagreements over issues including shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have left that understanding stalled.
Trump's new remarks come amid that stalemate. With his statement that no talks are under way and his hint that something big will happen soon, all eyes are now on whether a major turn comes in Washington-Tehran relations after the midterm elections.
