Donald Trump used a campaign-style rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to send a new warning to Tehran. While insisting that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, the U.S. president also signaled that Washington is in no rush to return to the negotiating table. At the same time, fresh figures from U.S. Central Command showed the extent of American military pressure on commercial shipping in the region.
Trump signals no rush for a deal
Trump claimed that Tehran is strongly seeking an agreement with the United States, but said Washington has not decided whether such a deal is even desirable.
“We are not even sure we want such an agreement, because right now I consider the Strait of Hormuz American territory,” Trump said.
Nuclear warning to Tehran
The U.S. president also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
“We cannot allow that. Otherwise, you would see very bad things happen,” Trump said, arguing that previous U.S. strikes had stopped Iran from reaching that point.
“We went in and stopped them. They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he added.
CENTCOM says 68 vessels were rerouted
As Trump spoke, U.S. Central Command said the naval blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have so far redirected 68 commercial vessels to alternative routes. Three merchant ships were prevented from continuing their movements, while U.S. personnel boarded two others.
The figures indicate that pressure on Iran is extending beyond political rhetoric and directly affecting maritime traffic around the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: NationalTurk
