"If I didn't kill General Soleimani, we probably wouldn't be talking right now about this deal": Trump
Evian, June 17
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday attributed the peace deal with Tehran to a long-term strategy and asserted that the deal would not be possible without his decision to authorise the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Soleimani was killed in airstrikes launched by Washington at Baghdad International Airport in January 2020.
Describing the deceased Iranian commander as a "mad genius", President Trump argued that this military action set the stage for the current diplomatic opening.
"All the tough guys, tough guys don't realise that this wasn't a 3-month deal. This was years in the making. You know why? Because I was the one who killed General Soleimani," the President stated during a press conference at the G7 Summit.
"If I didn't kill General Soleimani, we probably wouldn't be talking right now about this deal, because he was a mad genius. They were never able to replace him," he added.
Trump further highlighted that the announced deal, and the "positive statements" emerging from Tehran, have already yielded significant economic dividends.
"With this announcement, or close to it, as people started to think it was going to happen when Iran was making some very positive statements, the stock market has surged to record highs over the last short period of time," Trump said.
He further noted that oil prices are "dropping as it has never dropped before at levels that went in numbers".
Trump defended the diplomatic approach as the only viable path to securing regional trade routes, while mentioning that the military action would have continued had the agreement not been reached.
"But if we didn't do this deal, we could have dropped more bombs for another few weeks. You would never have the Strait of Hormuz open. You would never have success," Trump remarked.
Preliminary details are beginning to filter through ahead of the impending US-Iran memorandum signing ceremony, with the peace deal set to be signed on Friday in Switzerland.
A report broadcast by Fox News detailed that these measures include the reopening of the strategic Strait, the formal termination of the American blockade, and the initiation of a crucial 60-day negotiation period regarding Iran's uranium enrichment activities.
This comprehensive roadmap also integrates substantial sanctions relief alongside a structured ceasefire agreement involving Israel and Hezbollah.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Mad genius" — Trump calling Soleimani that is rich coming from someone who provokes tensions then claims victory. But I have to say, if this deal stabilizes the region, it's a win for everyone. India has millions of workers in the Gulf and relies on that oil. Let's hope this isn't just another photo op and actually brings lasting peace. 🤞
Trump's logic is twisted — he kills a general, then says that act made peace possible. It's like saying breaking a window makes the room cooler. But the bottom line for India is that this deal could reduce volatility in global oil markets and lower our fuel prices. That's something we can't ignore. Hopefully the 60-day negotiation on uranium works out too.
The Strait of Hormuz reopening is huge for India! We import over 80% of our oil, and most of it comes through that chokepoint. If this deal holds, it's a game-changer. But I'm skeptical about Trump's claim that killing Soleimani was some masterstroke. Seems more like he stumbled into a deal after creating chaos. Indian foreign policy should stay cautious but ready to benefit.
Trump says oil prices are dropping "as it has never dropped before" — typical hyperbole. But yes, oil at lower levels helps us manage inflation and the fiscal deficit. The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire part is also critical; any flare-up in Lebanon affects the entire region including our diaspora. Let's just hope this isn't a temporary lull before another storm. 🤔
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.