Trump Says No U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Middle East, Iranian Assets Won’t Be Unfrozen Immediately

President Donald Trump affirmed that the United States has no intention of withdrawing its troops from the Middle East, emphasizing that their continued presence is cost-effective and crucial for regional security objectives. In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated that U.S. forces will remain in the region "until such time as we have a completion."

Trump also asserted that Iran's military strength has been substantially diminished, estimating its remaining missile stockpile at a mere "21% to 22%" of its pre-war capacity. He declared, "We have totally destroyed their military. They have some missiles left. They have some drones left," though he offered no evidence to support this assessment.

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until such time as we have a completion

Regarding potential diplomatic progress, Trump indicated that the U.S. will not immediately unfreeze Iranian assets. He clarified that any sanctions relief or release of frozen funds would be contingent upon Iran's behavioral changes and would only materialize after a formal agreement is finalized. This stance suggests that Tehran must demonstrate compliance and improved conduct before any economic concessions are considered.

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We have totally destroyed their military. They have some missiles left. They have some drones left