Trump says ‘no rush’ on Iran deal

Donald Trump says he is in no rush to reach a deal with Iran, insisting time is on the United States’ side as the conflict continues.

(NBC)- The president is relying on economic pressure from the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports to force negotiations—though Iranian officials say that very blockade remains a major obstacle to any agreement.

Trump also announced he has ordered the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill” any boats placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

Despite reported Iranian attacks on commercial ships, Trump downplayed the threat, describing Iran’s smaller vessels as “wise guy ships.”

At the same time, he acknowledged the conflict could impact Americans at home.

“For a little while,” Trump said of higher gas prices. “But what they get for that is Iran without a nuclear weapon.”

The president continues to argue his strategy is working, pointing to damage to Iran’s military and the removal of senior leaders.

“They don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil,” he said.

However, new reporting indicates the situation may be more complicated.

According to intelligence assessments cited by Western officials, Iran’s government may have actually grown more stable—and slightly more hardline—since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, public frustration in the U.S. appears to be rising, with polls showing increasing concern over the cost of the war.