Trump Says U.S. Will Either Make a Deal With Iran or 'Finish the Job'

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Monday presented a stark choice regarding U.S. policy toward Iran, stating that the two nations would either reach a deal or the U.S. would "finish the job." The comments were made to reporters in the Oval Office as tensions persist between the two countries.

Elaborating on potential military action, Trump suggested it "won't be tough to finish the job," mentioning the possibility of targeting Iranian infrastructure. However, he also expressed a preference for a diplomatic solution, stating, "I'd rather make a deal, because I don't want to affect 91 million people."

In response, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, called the president's threat "delusional," according to Iranian state media. "Iranians are unfamiliar with the language of threats," Zolqadr said. "So speak to the Iranian people with respect, otherwise we will respond in another language."

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The exchange follows the conclusion of indirect U.S.-Iran talks last week, which reportedly ended without significant headway. The talks were held during a 60-day ceasefire intended to create an opportunity for diplomacy after U.S. and Israeli strikes initiated a conflict in late February. The situation is also set against the backdrop of the recent funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.