Trump says Iran ‘cannot have nuclear weapon’

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Iran’s military had been “wiped out” and warned Tehran would either agree to a deal or face further destruction, as he defended his administration’s handling of the conflict and argued that oil prices and inflation would eventually fall once the war ends.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing aboard Marine One, Trump repeatedly insisted that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” and said the issue outweighed concerns over market volatility or rising prices in the US economy.

“We'll win it peacefully or otherwise,” Trump said. “Their Navy's gone, their Air Force is gone, every single element of their war machine is gone.”

The President said the blockade around Iran was “100 per cent effective” and claimed hundreds of oil tankers were waiting to move once the conflict ends. He predicted a “gusher of oil” would hit global markets afterwards.

“As soon as this war is over, you're going to see oil prices drop,” Trump said. “You're going to see a stock market which is already at the highest point in history go through the roof.”