Trump Says Renewed Iran Strikes Are Unlikely as U.S. Forces Stand Ready

President Donald Trump said Sunday renewed U.S. strikes on Iran are highly unlikely if negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz advance, while U.S. forces remain prepared to act.

Trump said any decision to use force would hinge on whether Iran signs what he described as a very tough agreement, and called a negotiated deal the preferred outcome.

He said three U.S. aircraft carriers in the Middle East are on standby and that one had recently arrived. Trump also identified power plants and 38 bridges as possible targets, while saying he would prefer to avoid destroying the infrastructure.

Trump said Iran’s air defenses had been destroyed and claimed its remaining capacity was about 10% for missile production and 15% for drone production. He put the country’s inflation rate this year at 301%.

His remarks tied the prospect of renewed strikes to two negotiating issues: Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said another round of attacks would most likely prove unnecessary if an agreement is reached.