President Donald Trump signaled that the United States could resume attacks on Iran if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Facing domestic criticism over a memorandum of understanding (MOU) ending the war with Iran, Trump is expected to map out follow-up measures at Camp David this weekend.
In a speech introducing the new presidential aircraft, Air Force One, at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Trump said, "An agreement with Iran must be reached within 60 days." He added, "Otherwise, we will do something Iran won't like." He then assured, "I don't think that will happen," and "I think it will be very good."
Trump also said, "If we do that, suddenly oil won't be able to flow out of the Strait of Hormuz very quickly." He added, "Because those who own ships worth billions of dollars don't like missiles flying overhead or mines scattered around the sea."
Trump's remarks are interpreted as intended to pressure Iran amid a situation where follow-up negotiations have failed to continue after the MOU was signed. Trump said the relationship between the United States and Israel was very good, and argued that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be recognized as a warrior. He went on to say, "I will visit Turkey, and I will also attend a big event held in China within this year." He explained, "I asked Chinese President Xi Jinping not to get involved in Iran, and since he actually didn't, I want to thank him."
China is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen in November. In Turkey, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit will be held in July.
Meanwhile, Trump departed for the Camp David retreat that day and is set to return on Saturday. As criticism has poured in even from the ruling Republican Party over the MOU signed with Iran, he is expected to discuss responses for follow-up negotiations. Trump's last visit to Camp David was in June last year. At that time, Trump received briefings on military options against Iran from security advisers and military generals, and 13 days later launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. This is why the latest Camp David visit can also be interpreted as an indirect message of pressure on Iran. Trump typically prefers his own Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida over Camp David as a weekend retreat.
Camp David is located in the mountains about 100 kilometers from the White House. It is regarded as a suitable place to block outside attention and conduct sensitive discussions.
