Trump: Iran's leaders are proud, but have no choice but to agree to end war

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iranian leaders are delaying a war-ending agreement because they are "strong and proud," but ultimately "they have no choice" but to agree.

"They are strong, they are proud, there are things they never thought they would do and now they will have to do them. They have no choice and that takes a little time," the U.S. President stated in an NBC interview. Trump's remarks come as the U.S. and Iranian governments continue negotiations to end a war that has entered its fourth month. The two countries had agreed to a ceasefire in April, which has been extended several times. However, tensions escalated in recent days when the U.S. and Iran exchanged strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

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They are strong, they are proud, there are things they never thought they would do and now they will have to do them. They have no choice and that takes a little time.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday that the military operation, which the Trump administration has named "Operation Epic Fury," "has been completed." He added that the strikes earlier in the week were "defensive in nature" and carried out in response to Iranian attacks against ships in the Strait of Hormuz region.

"To protect our forces, we don't just hit the drones, but also those who launch them. These actions are purely defensive and are in response to Iranian actions. If they don't shoot at ships, we don't shoot either, but we have to respond," Rubio emphasized.

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To protect our forces, we don't just hit the drones, but also those who launch them. These actions are purely defensive and are in response to Iranian actions. If they don't shoot at ships, we don't shoot either, but we have to respond.

The ongoing conflict led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil transport. This closure caused a rise in international oil prices and an increase in fuel prices in the U.S., pressuring Trump and Republican leaders to reduce the economic burden on citizens. During Friday's interview, Trump criticized those calling for a quick deal with Tehran, saying: "These things take years."

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These things take years.

"These people have been fighting for 47 years. They kill Americans," the president said, referring to Iranian leaders. "They have caused terrible injuries, they have taken legs and arms, they have destroyed faces so badly and so horribly." He compared the duration of the conflict to the Vietnam War, noting: "I am moving very quickly. I am in the third month. You know, Vietnam lasted 19 years. I am in my third month and everyone is saying 'when will you win?'. If I were a Democrat, no one would talk like this, but I don't care. I'm used to it."

Trump added that so far the U.S. has "completely destroyed their army," although Iran still possesses some missiles.

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These people have been fighting for 47 years. They kill Americans. They have caused terrible injuries, they have taken legs and arms, they have destroyed faces so badly and so horribly.