Trump on Iran: Most people would’ve given up by now, so I credit them for being tough

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Donald Trump, seated center, joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, from left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, attends a cabinet meeting, July 31, 2026, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md., July 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
US President Donald Trump, seated center, joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, from left, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, attends a cabinet meeting, July 31, 2026, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, Md., July 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

US President Donald Trump is asked how he plans to revive last month’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, which was supposed to end their war after three and a half months.

“We just want to win,” Trump tells reporters at a cabinet meeting, offering little indication that he’s interested in a diplomatic settlement or that he has a strategy for bringing the war to an end.

“We’re trying to be as nice as you can be in a situation like that,” he says before reiterating, They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”

Asked if Americans should be prepared for the back-and-forth strikes between the US and Iran to continue, Trump responds, “A little bit.”

“It would be foolish to say no. You always have to keep your guard up.

Asked about the status of talks with Iran, Trump claims Tehran always is interested in talking but constantly breaks its word.

As for whether he thinks it’s still possible to reach a deal with Iran, Trump responds, “I’m losing faith in them,” claiming they fired missiles at US troops in Jordan while the sides were in the middle of negotiations.

Asked how many more strikes it will take in order to restore maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump responds, “You never know.”

“Most people would have given up by now… They haven’t, so I give them credit for that. They’re tough,” he adds.

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