The key facts

  • Trump did not rule out 'obliterating the remainder' of Iran but stressed he would prefer to avoid it
  • In his assessment, Iran's recovery from the war with the US and Israel will take 25 years
  • Trump said Iran 'does nothing without our approval,' commenting on reports of a proposal from Tehran through intermediaries

Statement in the Oval Office

US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday that he may have to 'obliterate the remainder' of Iran, adding: 'You will find out soon.' According to him, a decision now lies ahead: whether to go further and 'certify' the outcome so that what happened 'never happens again.' 'I would prefer not to obliterate the rest of the country, if possible, but perhaps it will be necessary. And you will find out soon,' his words are quoted as saying by the Anadolu outlet.

Context: war and negotiations

Trump estimated that Iran would need 25 years to recover from the war waged by the US and Israel against the country, which began in February and, in the outlet's wording, 'has not yet been resolved.' Responding to a question about reports that Iran had sent the US, through intermediaries, a proposal regarding the future of its nuclear program, and about US involvement, Trump said: 'They do nothing without our approval.' The publication does not report on the content of the possible proposal or on whether the administration is considering specific options for further action.