Trump optimistic on Iran deal, warns alternative “is not nice”

United States President Donald Trump said he remained hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran “fairly quickly” despite hurdles caused by tensions in Lebanon. According to media reports, he repeated his assertion that the US military action had severely damaged Iran’s armed forces, claiming the country’s navy and air force had been effectively destroyed within days. “Their navy’s wiped out. Their air force is all gone after three days. Their military is virtually wiped out,” Trump stated. He said the US now faced a choice between securing an agreement or pursuing what he described as “the other way,” warning that the alternative “is not nice.” When asked what that option would accomplish, Trump said it would ensure the conflict came to an end. “From a humanitarian standpoint, I’d rather do it the nice way,” he added. Responding to questions about whether military action would involve only air strikes, Trump said there would be no need for ground troops. “Yeah, you don’t have to. We don’t need boots on the ground,” he remarked, adding that the US had already inflicted major damage on Iran’s military capabilities through bombing alone. Rubio says Iran ready for limited nuclear negotiations