Trump: US to leave Iran “in the very near future”

US President Donald Trump said the United States will be leaving Iran “in the near future—in pretty much the very near future,” while claiming that Tehran’s military would take years to rebuild.

“If we left right now, it would take them 10 years to rebuild. But we’re not ready to leave yet. We’ll be leaving in the near future—in pretty much the very near future,” he said, outlining the timeline for a potential withdrawal, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Trump also discussed Iran’s naval losses, stating that the country had 24 minelayer ships, “all of which are reportedly sunk," up from 22 the previous day.

“All of their military is out, but you can always have somebody drop a mine in the water. It’s like terrorism….So we thought Europe would help with that because they do have some minesweepers,” he added, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Trump, the destruction of Iran’s military would significantly limit the country’s ability to threaten regional and global security for years to come.

By Sabina Mammadli