Trump called the agreement with Iran an unconditional surrender
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the signing of the memorandum between Washington and Tehran effectively amounted to an “unconditional surrender” for Iran.
During the conversation, the American leader acknowledged that he had agreed to the deal to prevent the conflict from escalating into a large-scale global economic crisis.
At the same time, Trump rejected the claim that the war with Iran had demonstrated the limits of his presidential powers. When asked what lessons he had learned from the conflict, the White House chief replied:
“There are no limits. I haven’t learned that lesson yet. I know they exist, but there are no limits,” Trump said.
The U.S. president also stated that the American side had completely defeated Iran militarily, and that the memorandum of understanding itself “is likely an unconditional surrender.”
According to Trump, the conflict served as a demonstration of the United States’ military might.
“Who else could have organized such a blockade? I organized a naval blockade that no ship could get through. Some tried. But it (the blockade—ed.) didn’t last long,” the U.S. president emphasized.
At the same time, he acknowledged that rejecting a diplomatic solution could have serious consequences for the global economy. Trump explained that further escalation and prolonged bombing of Iran could trigger a global energy crisis.
“The only way to step up the measures is to stay there for another two or three weeks and keep bombing them half to death. Right? But what good would that do us? The Strait of Hormuz won’t be opened. We won’t have oil for months. While you’re dropping bombs, that system shuts down. That’s what could cause a global depression,” Trump said.
According to the publication, Trump also expressed concern about the possible depletion of global oil reserves and the risk of a global oil crisis if the Strait of Hormuz were closed. That is why, in his view, a diplomatic agreement has become a more sensible course of action.
He made these remarks in an interview with Axios.
Global oil prices fell sharply on Thursday, June 19, amid reports of an agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Brent futures fell to $77.96 per barrel, and WTI futures to $74.96, the lowest levels since late February.
The U.S. and Iran will create a $300 billion fund to rebuild the economy — Reuters.
Peace on Tehran’s Terms: Why the Deal with Iran Looks More Like a U.S. Capitulation.
