Kathmandu— US President Donald Trump, speaking at the Oval Office on Thursday (local time), expressed confidence that the conflict involving Iran would conclude 'pretty soon,' stating that he believes the Islamic Republic 'can't go much longer.' He also voiced optimism about ongoing negotiations concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime trade route for oil shipments. Trump reaffirmed the commitment to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation

Trump emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was crucial, stating, 'We're not gonna let that happen. Not only us, not only the Middle East, the whole world would have been… It would have been catastrophic.' He reiterated that the US and its allies had no choice but to prevent such an outcome.

Strait of Hormuz Negotiations

Trump expressed optimism about negotiations concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime trade route for oil shipments. 'We have a thing called the blockade headed up by the US Navy, and we control it,' he said. However, he acknowledged potential risks such as mines or attacks that could disrupt shipping.

Iranian Response

In response to Trump's remarks, Iran's Acting Defense Minister Brigadier General Seyed Majid Ibn Reza expressed confidence in the country’s defense capabilities. 'Every day, the signs of the enemy's declining capabilities become more evident,' he said. 'But our armed forces, backed by the country's defense industry, have everything they need to respond to any threat.'

Diplomatic Uncertainty

The remarks come amid continued uncertainty over renewed US-Iran diplomacy following the collapse of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding signed in June. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused Washington of pursuing 'theater diplomacy' and rejected what he described as US pressure tactics.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.