Trump says Iran is ‘all talk and no action,’ issues new threats
by Tom Howell Jr. · The Washington TimesPresident Trump said Wednesday that Iran is taking too long to negotiate a peace deal and will “pay the price.”
Mr. Trump issued the threat on social media after the U.S. military struck Iranian air defenses and radar sites in retaliation for the downing of an Apache helicopter.
“Iran is all talk and no action,” Mr. Trump said.
The president said Iran’s navy and air force had been decimated by the U.S.-Israeli campaign that began Feb. 28. However, he said he is losing patience with the fractured Iranian leadership that has not met his peace terms.
“They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!” Mr. Trump said.
Air defenses in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait reported incoming fire from Iran on Wednesday, signaling that Tehran is lashing out in the region.
SEE ALSO: Iran launches new attacks at regional neighbors in retaliation for U.S. strikes
The exchange of airstrikes and tough rhetoric marks another turning point in the conflict that’s well into its fourth month.
The U.S. and Iran are ostensibly under a ceasefire that took hold in April, though repeated skirmishes and strikes have undercut the idea that there is a pause in fighting.
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Mr. Trump’s threat to punish Iran is a pivot from his rhetoric days ago, when the president said a deal could be struck within days.
“We have a good chance of doing [the deal]. We should be able to do it in one hour, if you want to know the truth,” Mr. Trump told reporters after leaving the NBA Finals game in New York late Monday.
Vice President J.D. Vance, in an interview excerpt released Tuesday by CBS’ “Sunday Morning,” said the U.S. was “very close” to a deal that would address Iran’s nuclear program.
But he offered a wide timeline for an outcome, underscoring the slippery nature of negotiations.
SEE ALSO: U.S. launches ‘self-defense’ strikes after Iran downs military helicopter
“I think we’re going to know a lot before the midterm elections,” Mr. Vance said. “Look, I think that the deal could happen in the next week, but the deal could also happen months from now.”
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The president imposed a blockade on Iran’s ports, hoping it would result in a deal that is more favorable to U.S. interests.
Mr. Trump said he wants more credit from the media for how effective the blockade has been in reducing Iranian exports and squeezing the regime economically.
“NOTHING GETS THROUGH unless we want it to. IT IS A STEEL WALL! Iran is doing ZERO business, not paying their military, or any of their bills, and quickly becoming a FAILED NATION!” he said on Truth Social, while arguing the blockade improved the transit of energy supplies from other nations. “Lots of oil is getting out. Praise be to Allah!”
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Tom Howell Jr.
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