By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed claims that Iran had laid naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, saying there is no verified report to that effect.
Trump added that if mines were in place, they should be removed immediately, warning that failure to do so would trigger unprecedented consequences for Iran. He said removing any mines would be a “significant step in the right direction.”
Earlier, some U.S. media outlets, citing intelligence sources, had suggested possible Iranian efforts to deploy naval mines in the strategic waterway.
At a press briefing, Trump’s statements appeared contradictory: he first said the war in Iran could end soon, but when asked if it would conclude this week, he replied it would not, adding that many objectives had been achieved but the final victory was still pending.
Trump also shifted responsibility for military action onto key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pat Hagel, negotiator Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, claiming their discussions indicated Iran might attack the U.S. if the U.S. did not act promptly.
In a separate interview, Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran could be possible but would depend on conditions, while also suggesting that there may no longer be a pressing need for talks.
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