In a phone interview with CNBC's Eamon Javers on Monday, US President Donald Trump significantly downplayed the potential breakdown of negotiations with Iran.
He stated bluntly, "Honestly, I don't care if they end," and emphasized further, "I really don't care. I don't care at all." He also described the long-running talks as "starting to get very boring."
This comment comes amid external concerns that Iran might withdraw from the discussions. Earlier on Monday, reports indicated that Iran, in response to Israeli military actions against Hezbollah forces it supports within Lebanon, was considering suspending talks with the US and planning a "complete blockade" of the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about this, Trump said Iran had not directly informed him of any intent to terminate negotiations, stating, "No, they didn't say that."
Addressing potential energy market volatility from a possible Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump expressed an optimistic forecast in the interview: "I think oil prices are going to come down like a rock in the very near—you know, in the very near future."
He added that the American public, understanding the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, "is willing to pay a little more."
He further stated that gasoline prices at US pumps would decline "very, very quickly."
Simultaneously, he again showed hesitancy about continuing the talks, suggesting it would be fine if they ended: "If it's over, it's over. If it's not... I think they're taking too long. I think, frankly, they're starting to get very boring."
When asked if he was considering formally ending the US-Iran ceasefire arrangement that still nominally exists, Trump did not give a clear answer, saying only: "Let's put it this way, I fully understand what you're asking... and in a way, I do understand. But why would I tell you?"
Regarding the role of allies in a potential Strait of Hormuz crisis, Trump believed NATO countries "should come in and help us," reasoning that these nations are more dependent on oil transported through the strait than the US is.
He stressed, "We don't need it, we have a lot of oil." However, when pressed on whether he had proactively contacted NATO to participate in related actions, he responded: "If I wanted them to come, they would come, but I'm not sure I want them to come."
Trump also criticized NATO, stating the US "doesn't need NATO," and described it as "very, very weak, very sad," while citing a purported statement from them: "They say, 'When the war is over, we'll come and help you.'"
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