President Trump said discussions with Iran would take place next week as top administration officials forcefully pushed back on questions about the effectiveness of U.S. airstrikes.The New York Times reports that President Trump has announced that the United States and Iran will hold talks next week, despite the White House disputing a report that the recent airstrikes had little impact on Iran’s nuclear program. The president stated that he did not believe it was necessary to reach an agreement with Iran, but rather to ensure that they do not obtain nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed the desire for direct talks between the two countries.
President Trump defended the effectiveness of the airstrikes, pushing back against a preliminary U.S. intelligence report that stated they had only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. Senator Rubio provided a more detailed argument, claiming that the strikes had set back Iran’s program by years. Israel also released a statement from its atomic energy commission, stating that the strike on the Fordo nuclear site had rendered it inoperable.
Both sides continue to claim victory in the 12-day war, which has been the deadliest and largest conflict between Iran and Israel. Iranian officials held a victory rally in Tehran, while President Trump and his officials continue to tout the success of the airstrikes. The upcoming talks between the two countries will determine the next steps in the ongoing conflict.
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