Trump: Deal with Iran 'possible' as US launches third night of strikes

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on Monday that a potential deal with Iran is still achievable, even as the U.S. military conducted a third consecutive night of strikes and reinstated a blockade on Iranian ports. The President asserted that the ongoing military actions are designed to cripple Iran's offensive capabilities.

"We're going to hit them very hard tonight, and we're going to hit them hard tomorrow," Trump told reporters at the White House. He elaborated that the strikes were specifically targeting Iran's ability to launch attacks. When asked about the possibility of a deal, Trump responded, "Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do. We had a deal with them two days ago and then they said 'Oh we can't make that deal. We have to negotiate it further'."

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We're going to hit them very hard tonight, and we're going to hit them hard tomorrow.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that strikes commenced at 8:45 p.m. GMT (4:45 a.m. Tuesday, Singapore time). CENTCOM stated these actions would "continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz." The reimposed blockade was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. GMT on Tuesday (4 a.m. Wednesday, Singapore time).

The exchange of attacks between the U.S. and Iran sent oil prices soaring by more than nine percent, fueling concerns about a potential escalation of conflict. President Trump also indicated his desire for Gulf nations to provide financial reimbursement to the United States for its role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation.

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Yeah, I think a deal is possible. Sure, I do. We had a deal with them two days ago and then they said 'Oh we can't make that deal. We have to negotiate it further'.