Trump says US could restart Iran strikes 'if they misbehave'

President Donald Trump has indicated that while he is reviewing a proposed deal with Iran, he is not optimistic about its acceptability, stating that Tehran has not yet paid a sufficient price for its past actions. Speaking to reporters before boarding a flight, Trump reiterated the possibility of resuming military strikes against Iran should the country engage in undesirable behavior. This stance comes amidst a complex diplomatic standoff where Iran has reportedly offered a proposal that includes opening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade, with nuclear program talks to follow.

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They told me about the concept of the deal. They're going to give me the exact wording now.

Trump's comments suggest a continued hardline approach towards Iran, emphasizing that any potential agreement must reflect a significant reckoning for past conduct. The mention of restarting strikes, while not an explicit threat, serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of US-Iran relations under his administration. The administration's focus remains on Iran's alleged "misbehavior" and ensuring it faces consequences, a narrative that resonates with his base and his foreign policy objectives.

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I mean, I can’t tell that to a reporter. If they misbehave, if they do something bad, right now we’ll see. But it’s a possibility that could happen.

Domestically, Trump faces pressure to address rising gasoline prices, partly attributed to the disruption of oil and gas supplies from the Strait of Hormuz. With midterm congressional elections approaching, the administration's actions regarding Iran could influence voter sentiment. The Iranian proposal, as described, attempts to decouple the immediate issue of the Strait of Hormuz from the more contentious nuclear negotiations, a strategic move that Trump appears to be evaluating cautiously. The administration's ultimate goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a red line that Trump has consistently emphasized.

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I can’t imagine the proposals would be acceptable and that Iran had not paid a big enough price for what it had done.