US President Donald Trump told Fox News on April 14 that the war with Iran is nearing its end. In an interview with Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo set to air Wednesday on "Mornings with Maria," Trump was pressed on the status of the Iran conflict. When asked directly whether the war had ended, Trump signaled that it was nearing its conclusion. "I think it's close to over, yeah," he said. "I view it as very close to being over," Trump added.
Earlier in the interview, Trump explained his decision to intervene militarily. "I think it's — I had to divert because if I didn't do that, right now you'd have Iran with a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "And if they had a nuclear weapon, you'd be calling everyone over there 'sir,' and you don't want to do that."
Trump also offered a blunt assessment of the damage inflicted on Iran. "If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country," he said. "And we're not finished. We'll see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly."
US and Iran may resume talks within days
Trump suggested that another round of US-Iran talks "could be happening over the next two days" in Pakistan, according to The New York Post.
The first round of face-to-face talks in Islamabad between US and Iranian delegations ended over the weekend without an agreement. Iran demanded a permanent regional ceasefire and sanctions relief, while the United States insisted on verifiable nuclear disarmament and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Vance expected to lead US delegation if talks resume
According to CNN, if the United States and Iran hold a second round of face-to-face negotiations, US Vice President JD Vance is expected to again lead the US delegation. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to attend. Since the first round of talks concluded, Vance, Witkoff and Kushner have remained in contact with the Iranian side and intermediaries.
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Trump claims Iran wants to 'make a deal very badly,' signaling US eagerness too
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