President Donald Trump expressed his expectation to resume strikes on Iran if the potential for talks between the U.S. and Iran is not reached within the next 48 hours.
During an interview with CNBC’s “The Squawk Box,” President Trump said, "Well, I expect to be bombing because I think that's a better attitude to go in with — but we're ready to go,” when asked if he would resume bombing the Islamic Republic should the prospects of a finalized agreement not be met within a 48 hour timeframe.
President Trump also expressed optimism towards a deal between the two nations, expressing that the Islamic Republic has no alternatives.
“What I think is that we’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice. We’ve taken out their Navy, we’ve taken out their Air Force, we’ve taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational,” President Trump remarked.
“I think we're in a very strong negotiating position to do what other Presidents should've done during a 47-year period — 47 years with these bloodthirsty people,” he added.
During the interview, the president also commended the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports while shedding light on the talks that led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.
“The blockade has been a tremendous success. They said two days ago, ‘We will open the Strait [of Hormuz].’ I said, ‘No, we’re not going to open the Strait until we have a final deal,’” President Trump shared.
"Iran can get themselves in a very good footing if they make a deal. They can make themselves into a strong nation again, a wonderful nation again. They have incredible people... they have to use reason, and they have to use common sense,” President Trump affirmed.
