Trump Claims US Still Capable of Large-scale Military Operation against Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump/DOK The White House

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump refused to say what would happen next in negotiations with Iran, but hinted that the US still has the ability to carry out a massive military escalation.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, "You'll find out," when asked about his next steps after the latest round of negotiations, which he had previously called "the last chance" for Iran before possible military action.

When asked if a "major escalation" was still an option, Trump said the US had the ability to pursue that option if he chose to do so.

"Yes, we have certain capabilities if we want to do it," Trump said. "Yes, you will find out," he continued, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, August 11.

Trump said the US would demand payment for the damage Iran had caused over a 50-year period.

"If there is any damage to be paid, I think Iran should pay for the damage," he added.

'We have cleared mines across the strait'

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the strategic waterway was "open".

"Yes, it's open now... The only party controlling the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy. We have an impenetrable blockade. It's like a steel wall, and we let the people we want to let in, and those people come in, and they've come in and out, so it's actually open now," Trump said.

"We don't let them into Iran. They are not allowed to enter the strait to go to Iran, but now the strait is open to other parties," Trump continued.

He acknowledged that Iran could still attempt to disrupt shipping by saying Iranian forces could "occasionally drop mines", but claimed US forces had found and cleared mines throughout the strait.

"You know, we've cleared mines all over the strait, as you've probably heard, maybe not. But we control the strait 100 percent. Now, can they make trouble? Yes, they can make trouble, but they're broke. They have no money," Trump said.

"Yes, it's open now... The only party controlling the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy. We have an impenetrable blockade. It's like a steel wall, and we let the people we want to let in, and those people come in, and they've come in and out, so it's actually open now," Trump said.

"We don't let them into Iran. They are not allowed to enter the strait to go to Iran, but now the strait is open to other parties," Trump continued.

He acknowledged that Iran could still attempt to disrupt shipping by saying Iranian forces could "occasionally drop mines", but claimed US forces had found and cleared mines throughout the strait.

"You know, we've cleared mines all over the strait, as you've probably heard, maybe not. But we control the strait 100 percent. Now, can they make trouble? Yes, they can make trouble, but they're broke. They have no money," Trump said.