US President Donald Trump said it is possible that the United States could hold talks with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, but any negotiations would depend on the terms offered by Tehran.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Miami.
The conflict between the US and Iran entered its 11th day on Tuesday.
“It’s possible, depends on what terms, possible, only possible,” Trump said, adding that discussions would depend on conditions set by Iran. He said he had heard Iranian officials were eager to open talks to end the war.
According to Fox News, Trump said his understanding was that Tehran “want to talk badly” about bringing the conflict to an end. He also suggested negotiations might not be necessary, saying the United States may no longer need to speak with Iran.
Trump also criticised the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. The US president said he was “not happy” with the selection and added that he did not believe Mojtaba Khamenei “can live in peace”.
Earlier on Monday, Trump praised the ongoing US military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, during remarks to reporters at his Trump National Doral Miami golf club. He said the operation had severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
“They have no navy, they have no air force, they have no anti-aircraft equipment, it’s all been blown up,” Trump said, adding that Iran had also lost radar systems, telecommunications, and leadership.
Trump defended the timing of the operation, which began on February 28, saying a delay could have allowed Iran to strike first. He said the US attack destroyed about half of Iran’s missiles and prevented a more difficult conflict.
Trump also said he had been informed last month that Iranian officials indicated they possessed enough enriched uranium to potentially build 11 nuclear bombs.