Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Nov 10: US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran's ability to manufacture nuclear weapons has been reduced by around 85 per cent, while warning that American forces remain prepared to resume military action if necessary.
Speaking about Iran's nuclear programme, Trump said the country's manufacturing capability had been significantly weakened and that Tehran was engaging with Washington diplomatically.
“Their (Iran's) manufacturing capability is reduced… It is basically about 85 per cent gone. They are talking to us, and they are talking very politely, and we will see what happens,” he said.
Trump indicated that the conflict could come to an end but cautioned that the possibility of further military action had not been completely ruled out.
“If we do have to go back in, we are locked and loaded and ready to go,” he said.
In a separate post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had an “excellent conversation” with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during which they discussed the situation in Iran.
He claimed that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait favoured maintaining the existing US naval blockade and the newly announced Operation Iron Gate, which seeks to extend restrictions on Iran's movement of weapons, sanctioned materials and other supplies through land routes.
“Most importantly, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, would prefer the status quo, in other words, a continuation of the Greatest Naval Blockade in History, and the new Operation Iron Gate — Therefore, Land and Sea,” he wrote.
Reiterating Washington's position on Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Trump said preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was non-negotiable.
“All have agreed that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon — That is non-negotiable!” he said.
He also warned that the United States was prepared to respond if developments in the Middle East changed, although he indicated that renewed military action appeared unlikely at present.
The remarks come amid continued US efforts to restrict Iran's access to supplies and resources through maritime and land routes. Washington has maintained its naval blockade while expanding pressure through Operation Iron Gate.
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are continuing, with Qatar playing a key mediating role. However, differences remain over the terms of a possible agreement, including the naval blockade, sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme.
Trump said the conclusion of the military engagement would leave Americans and people across the world safer. He also accused Iran of killing many people while expressing hope that ongoing discussions would lead to an end to the conflict.