President Trump on Wednesday brushed off Iran’s recent attack on Kuwait, saying it was part of an exchange of fire in the region, and argued he is still on track to make a peace deal.
The exchange of fire is challenging the notion that both sides are still under the ceasefire that took hold in April.
“I’d say in that part of the world, a ceasefire is when you’re shooting in a more moderate manner,” Mr. Trump said. “A ceasefire there is much different than a ceasefire in other parts of the world.”
The president said he is prepared to “wipe everyone out” in Iran, but he would rather settle the matter diplomatically on paper.
A peace deal is not guaranteed, he said, but a breakthrough could come within days.
“I hear the negotiation itself is going very well,” he said in the Oval Office. “It might not happen, who knows. But if it happens, it could happen like over the weekend.”
Mr. Trump is working to approve a memorandum of understanding with Iran that would lift the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz while setting the table for final talks over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iran escalated tensions in the region on Wednesday by striking an airport in Kuwait, killing one civilian and causing extensive damage.
Mr. Trump said Iran appeared to be reciprocating for U.S. defensive strikes in recent days.
“There’s a reason for everything. We hit them pretty hard the night before,” Mr. Trump said. “Some people would say they were slightly provoked.”
