Trump says Iran issue ‘not urgent,’ urges no rush on negotiations

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran issue “not urgent”, as he urges no rush on negotiations during telephonic interview with American media.

He said that there is no need to hurry in dealing with the Iran issue and emphasised that the United States does not need to rush into any decisions or negotiations.

Trump also said the US has imposed a blockade that prevents Iran from obtaining funds, and added that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons because it would use them.

When asked whether Iran could be stopped from enriching uranium, Trump replied that “100 per cent, they are going to stop.”

He further claimed that Iran would need to remove nuclear dust from its damaged nuclear facilities, saying their infrastructure had been destroyed by US Tomahawk missiles, and suggested that Iran lacks the machinery to handle the cleanup, with only China and the United States capable of doing so.

Meanwhile, Britain announced earlier that it will deploy Typhoon fighter jets, autonomous mine-hunting systems and the warship HMS Dragon as part of a multinational mission aimed at protecting shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.

Defence Secretary John Healey unveiled the plans during a virtual meeting attended by defence ministers from more than 40 countries participating in the operation. He said the mission would become active once conditions permit.

“With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent and credible,” Healey said.

The conflict involving Iran has significantly disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes, pushing up energy prices and affecting exports.

Britain said its contribution would be supported by £115 million ($155.5 million) in fresh funding aimed at strengthening maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.

The package includes autonomous drones designed to detect and clear naval mines, high-speed drone boats, Typhoon aircraft for air patrols, and HMS Dragon, an air-defence destroyer already heading toward the Middle East.

The UK currently has more than 1,000 military personnel stationed in the region as part of existing defensive operations, including counter-drone teams and fast-jet units.