U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Iran’s resilience in the recent conflict and said diplomatic talks and a potential agreement may begin as early as next week.
Speaking at a summit in The Hague, Trump claimed Iran’s nuclear facilities were fully destroyed in a successful American strike last week, adding that the U.S. has done everything it could to maintain peace in the region.
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He said the airstrikes played a key role in securing a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and expressed confidence that another war is unlikely. Trump compared the situation to the end of World War II following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
He also praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him an outstanding and inspiring leader, noting that he had met him in his office.
During the press conference, Trump again credited the U.S. for stopping conflict between Pakistan and India, emphasizing that both are nuclear powers and should prioritize trade over hostility.
He sharply criticized media outlets like The New York Times and CNN for spreading misinformation, claiming their influence is declining. Trump said the recent strikes have significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program, especially at the Fordow site, which he believes has been destroyed.
He commended the U.S. military, calling their efforts a “tremendous victory,” and stated that the strikes were carried out using submarine-launched missiles. According to him, Iranian retaliation was ineffective as all incoming missiles were intercepted.
On the Qatar attack, Trump confirmed no damage occurred since the U.S. airbase was evacuated beforehand. Fourteen missiles were launched, but none hit their target due to U.S. defense systems.
He labeled the NATO summit a success, noting meetings with various world leaders and pushing for increased defense spending. He said NATO members would now allocate 5% of their national budgets to defense, calling it a landmark decision.
Reaffirming that Iran showed bravery in battle, Trump expressed willingness for negotiations, saying the U.S. is open to peaceful dialogue. He added that Iran will need financial support for rebuilding, and stated it is up to China to decide whether it continues to purchase Iranian oil.
