WASHINGTON: Speaking during an impromptu address at the North Lawn after the unveiling of a new flagpole project, Trump signaled growing impatience with Iran’s nuclear program and hinted that decisive action could be on the horizon. “Two very simple words: unconditional surrender,” Trump said, referring to Iran’s continued uranium enrichment. “I’ve had it.”

While he acknowledged that Iranian negotiators had recently suggested they “may come to the White House,” Trump cast doubt on the ease of any such diplomatic move, noting that the situation was “difficult.” He also emphasized his belief that Iran’s nuclear program harbors “bad intentions,” even as he noted his respect for the Iranian people and his positive experiences with them in the past.

Trump was non-committal about how long any potential conflict with Iran could last, only stating that Iranian air defenses have been significantly weakened. “I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I want to do,” he said in response to direct questions about possible US military involvement.

The former president quickly pivoted to other topics, including the US economy, debt, and interest rates, before briefly addressing the war in Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing aggression. However, it was his sharp rhetoric on Iran that stole the spotlight.

Echoing comments made in recent days, Trump reiterated that Iran “should have negotiated before Israel struck,” pointing to what he described as missed opportunities for diplomacy.

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