Trump to Axios: I'm ready for "strong military action" if Iran talks fail
Axios · LC · trust 58/100
Add Axios on Google President Trump at Joint Base Andrews last week. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Trump told Axios on Monday that he decided to pause U.S. strikes on Iran in order to give negotiations another chance, but stressed that he could order a return to expanded military operations if diplomacy fails.
Why it matters: The current negotiations are focused on a new deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and relaunch talks on a comprehensive nuclear deal.
What he's saying: "We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don't work out, we will go back to very strong military action," Trump said in the interview.
Behind the scenes: Trump said he decided to pause strikes on Friday because the countries that are mediating as well as other countries in the region asked him to give negotiations another chance.
Between the lines: "Nothing gained, nothing lost," Trump said when he explained why he agreed to the mediators' request.
Driving the news: For the first time in two weeks, Trump ordered the military on Friday to hold fire and not conduct strikes against Iranian targets around the southern coast of Iran and in the Strait of Hormuz area.
State of play: Regional sources said negotiations between Oman and Iran have made progress but that no agreement has been reached.
What to watch: Trump will meet Tuesday at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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