Trump says US may have gone too far targeting Iran’s leadership
US President Donald Trump has suggested that Washington may have gone too far in targeting Iran’s leadership, saying the United States is struggling to identify Iranian officials with whom it can negotiate.
Trump made the remarks during a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, amid continued tensions between the United States and Iran.
“We might have gone too far with the leaders because we don’t know who the hell we’re dealing with any more,” the US president said.
“Nobody wants to be the president of Iran,” he added, claiming that potential candidates were unwilling to take the position.
However, Masoud Pezeshkian has served as Iran’s president since July 2024.
“We’re having a hard time figuring out who the hell to deal with, to be honest with you. I think we went too far,” Trump said.
His comments suggested that the campaign against Iran’s leadership had complicated Washington’s efforts to identify officials with whom it could engage in negotiations.
Trump also repeated his claims that Iran had lost its air force and all 159 of its ships during the conflict.
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Describing the vessels’ alleged fate, he said they were “resting beautifully in the bottom of the sea”.
The claims about Iran’s military capabilities were made as attacks on commercial shipping continued in the Gulf region.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency has recorded at least 19 attacks on vessels since October 1, highlighting the security risks facing maritime traffic in the region.
The attacks have also contributed to concerns about disruptions to shipping and global energy supplies, as tensions involving Iran continue.
Trump’s remarks came as his administration continued to pursue its military campaign against Tehran while facing questions over the prospects for negotiations and the wider consequences of the conflict.
(the news)
