Former US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, while describing ongoing American actions against the country as a “military operation” rather than a war.
Speaking during the signing of an executive order in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump highlighted the impact of US intervention on Iran’s internal situation and military strength. He claimed that American efforts had helped prevent mass executions and significantly weakened Iran’s armed forces.
“Iran killed 42,000 people over the last two months. They were going to kill eight women whose lives I saved. And I appreciate that they didn’t do it. I asked them not to do it, but they didn’t do it,” Trump said. He added that he had personally intervened by telephone, warning that the world was watching.
Trump further asserted that US actions had left Iran’s navy and air force effectively dismantled, with drone production facilities reduced by about 82 percent and missile factories down by nearly 90 percent. “And that’s despite a military operation. I don’t call it a war. I’d rather have a military operation. Iran is dying to make a deal,” he remarked.
The former president pointed to severe economic strain on Iran, saying its economy was collapsing under a powerful blockade that had cut off oil revenues. “Their economy is crashing. The blockade is incredible. The power of the blockade is incredible. They’re not getting any money from oil. And hopefully, it can be worked out very soon,” Trump noted.
He also referenced specific cases of repression, including the execution of a wrestler and his associates for protesting. According to Trump, the death toll from crackdowns on unarmed protesters stood at 42,000, with the actual figure possibly higher.
Linking domestic achievements to foreign policy, Trump mentioned recent record highs in the US stock market, noting the Dow Jones reaching 50,000 and the S&P 500 hitting 7,000. He said this success reinforced the need to address Iran’s ambitions. “They want to have a nuclear weapon. You can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” he stressed.
The comments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions, including a statement from Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who indicated that Tehran would secure the Persian Gulf and counter US influence by controlling the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump expressed hope that the situation could be resolved peacefully in the near future through negotiations.