'Called a little while ago': Trump says Iran wants 'deal badly' after fresh US strikes

Trump says Iran wants a deal badly (AP image)

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone on Thursday after Iran launched overnight attacks on American targets, by launching fresh strikes and warning Tehran that any further aggression would be met with an overwhelming military response.While maintaining his tough rhetoric, Trump suggested that Tehran was now seeking negotiations. "They called a little while ago. They want to make a deal so badly," Trump said.However, he questioned whether Iran could be trusted to uphold any future agreement. "I just don't know if they're worthy of making a deal. I don't know that they're going to honor the deal. That's the problem," he added.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States had already retaliated forcefully, claiming Washington's response far exceeded Iran's offensive."We just hit them very hard, and I say we hit them 20-to-1. Every time they hit us, we're going to hit them 20... When they hit, we hit back much harder," Trump said.Trump brushes off threats against himWhen asked whether he had been informed of any credible Iranian threat against Air Force One, Trump responded with characteristic humor before reiterating that he remains a prime target."I have a threat all the time. I'm number one on their list, before you — but if I go, you go, right? So perhaps some of you want to change professions," he joked, drawing laughter from reporters.

Despite the remark, Trump underscored that the United States would not be deterred by threats from Iran.The remarks came hours after Trump said recent Iranian attacks on shipping had effectively ended the interim ceasefire. "For me, I think it's over," Trump said when asked about the status of the agreement."They can talk, but I think they're wasting their time," he added.In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said Thursday they had struck US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait to fresh American strikes, in a statement carried by state television IRIB. The Guards said they struck "key infrastructure and facilities" at US bases in Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, and Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain with missiles and drones.