Trump: 'Proud' Iran will eventually agree to deal, has 'no choice'

President Donald Trump believes Iran's "strong pride" is the primary obstacle to finalizing a ceasefire agreement, though he asserts the nation ultimately "has no choice" but to comply. Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump suggested that Iranian leadership faces a situation where they must undertake actions they previously deemed impossible, describing it as a "very difficult" position for them.

“

Iran's leadership is in a situation where they have to do things they never thought they would do. It's very difficult for them.

Trump indicated that the current U.S. administration is presenting more demands than its predecessors, which he cited as a reason for the protracted negotiations. "They have no choice, it's just taking a little longer," he added, implying that an agreement is inevitable. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has now entered its fourth month, with indirect talks ongoing concerning ceasefire extensions, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear program.

“

They have no choice, it's just taking a little longer.

Despite Trump's optimistic outlook on reaching an agreement, tensions have recently flared with exchanges of fire near the Strait of Hormuz. Both the U.S. and Iran have characterized these actions as responses to the other's provocations, seeking to avoid a full-scale escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the U.S. would shoot down drones threatening civilian vessels passing through the Strait, emphasizing a defensive posture contingent on Iran refraining from attacks.

“

We shoot down drones that threaten civilian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. We are defending our forces by striking drones and drone launch sites defensively.

The disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transport route, has impacted international oil prices and U.S. gasoline costs, posing a challenge for Trump and the Republican party. Trump, however, pushed back against calls for a swift resolution, comparing the current situation to the Vietnam War, which lasted 19 years. He asserted that the U.S. military operations have "virtually destroyed" Iran's military, although he acknowledged that Iran retains some missile and drone capabilities, estimating about 21-22% of their initial capacity remains.

“

These things take years. I am moving very quickly. It's only been three months.