President Trump told CNN that renewed military strikes against Iran are "highly unlikely" if the negotiations yield progress on Tehran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though he warned that Washington remains ready to resume operations if necessary.
Trump said any deal would have to be strong enough, arguing that Iran is suffering from 301% inflation, severe financial stress and extensive military damage after eight months of war.
"We are ready for it. I have three aircraft carriers here," Trump said, noting that US forces remain fully prepared for renewed strikes.
Trump again claimed that Iran's air defense systems had been destroyed and estimated that Tehran retains only 10% of its missile capability and 15% of its UAV capabilities, mainly due to damage to weapons factories as a result of the US-Israeli attacks this year.
Trump repeated his optimism about reaching an agreement, saying: "They want so badly to make a deal."