By Townhall Chicago News Staff
President Donald Trump said in the same “60 Minutes” interview that the United States is “not looking to” escalate military conflict with Iran, even as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran is not imminent.
Trump said he has held back from further strikes on Iran’s nuclear program because of the toll broader military action could take on civilians.
“I could go in and blow them up right now,” Trump said. “The problem with that is you’ll never be able to rebuild it. … It would take them 10, 12, 15 years.”
Trump said he opposes targeting Iranian infrastructure such as bridges and power plants. “That puts an awfully big burden on the people. I don’t like that,” he said.
Trump defended his handling of Iran’s nuclear program, saying the consequences would have been worse had Iran obtained a weapon during his term.
“If they had a nuclear weapon during my term, I would be excoriated far worse,” Trump said.
Rubio, speaking separately, said Tehran’s demands in nuclear talks remain unacceptable to the United States. “I wouldn’t say we’re at the verge of a breakthrough,” Rubio said. “Iranian demands are … outrageous.”
Trump said shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz remain open. “The Strait is open, we have ships going,” he said. Fox News radio reporting Monday described an ongoing U.S. naval presence intended to block Iranian vessels, including defensive strikes near Qeshm Island, raising questions about how open the strait is to commercial traffic without a military escort.
AM 560 host Dan Proft said the administration faces pressure over the length of enforcement operations around Iran. “Just like we don’t want forever wars, we don’t want forever blockades either,” Proft said. Proft said strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities took place earlier this year, though exact dates were not detailed during Monday’s broadcast.
A caller identified as Phil, from Merrillville, suggested the United States supply weapons to Iranian civilians opposed to their government. Proft said he opposed the idea, saying U.S. officials do not know who would ultimately receive such weapons.
It was not clear from Monday’s broadcast when Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview was recorded.
