Trump says there is no reason to escalate Iran war as talks stall
Trump defends decision to fight
In a 60 Minutes interview aired Sunday, Trump said he was not looking to escalate the war with Iran. He said there was “no reason” to do so. Trump nevertheless defended starting the conflict in late February, calling the decision historically good despite its economic effects. He cited Iran's nuclear program as the main reason and said he had done “what's right for our country.”
Rubio lowers hopes for a deal
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said late Sunday that talks between Iran and the United States were not close to a breakthrough. He described Iran's demands as unacceptable. “Right now, it hasn't been very productive,” Rubio told reporters, adding that Iran's demands were “simply not just unacceptable.”
Qatar's prime minister to visit
Al Thani is one of the key mediators in the talks. Sources cited by Axios said he is looking to Trump to allow more time for diplomacy.
Task force targets trade routes
Trump said Sunday that the new U.S. military task force extending the Iran naval blockade “is in full force and effect.” U.S. Central Command said Saturday that Task Force Iron Gate is intended to extend the blockade's success to overland trade routes.
Key points
- Trump said he sees no reason to escalate the war with Iran.
- He defended starting the conflict in late February, citing Iran's nuclear program.
- Rubio said talks have not been productive because Iran's demands are unacceptable.
- Task Force Iron Gate is aimed at extending the naval blockade to overland trade routes.