US President Donald Trump made statements regarding the war in the Middle East and oil prices in a telephone interview with the US press. Reiterating his claims that the US has destroyed Iran's military power, Trump said, "We are doing very well. They want to make a deal, but I don't think they are ready for a deal yet."
Regarding the attacks on the strategic Kharg Island, which serves as a maritime port for up to 90 percent of Iran's petroleum product exports, Trump said, "Kharg Island has been disabled. But except for the pipes, I didn't touch the pipes. Because as you know, it takes years to build and assemble these things."
Stating that they could strike the island again, Trump said, "I told them clearly. I would ruin that place." Trump also stated that they deliberately left a gap of about 90 meters around everything related to oil on the island, knowing that rebuilding infrastructure takes a long time. Trump said, "I left many infrastructure facilities in Tehran standing. Because if I had destroyed them, it would have taken years to rebuild. I could have disabled the power plants within an hour, and that would have been a major trauma. That's why I try to avoid such things."
Stating that the conflict is a "small price" Iran is paying for its actions, Trump said, "As soon as the war ends, oil prices will drop like a rock."
When asked to provide a timeline for when oil prices would fall, Trump said, "As soon as the war ends. I don't think it will take long."
When asked about the possibility of the US launching a ground operation against Iran, Trump replied, "I don't want to say that." When asked if his thinking on this matter had changed, the US President commented, "No, it hasn't changed."
News Source: 12punto
