Trump Tells Iran: 'You'll Find Out' as He Hints at What Comes Next

President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that the United States retains significant military capabilities should diplomatic talks fail. When asked about potential consequences if negotiations break down, Trump declined to detail his plans, stating, "You'll find out." Asked whether large-scale military escalation remained possible, he said, "Well, we certainly have that ability if we want to do that. You'll find out."

Trump rejected Iranian demands for compensation, arguing the situation should operate in reverse. He stated: "They ask for reparations, you might say, or they ask for money for the damage that we've done. And I said, that's a good idea. Well, we're going to ask for money for the damage they've done over a 50-year period, whether you go USS Cole or whether you go [to] all of the people that were so badly hurt, so badly wounded or killed, many thousands of people. And maybe damages for the 52,000 protesters over the last four months that were killed in Iran. It was at least 52,000 a month and a half ago. So now what is it? If there are damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages."

On the Strait of Hormuz, Trump asserted American dominance over the critical waterway. He said the passage is currently open because "The only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy. We have a blockade that's been infallible. It's a steel wall. And we let people in that we want to let in, and those people come in, and they've been coming in and going out. So it's actually open now. We do not let them go into Iran."

Trump characterized Iran's economic situation as dire, noting the country is "totally broke" With 309% inflation and unable to pay its soldiers. He concluded that Iran now faces repercussions after fifty years as "the bully of the Middle East," Saying: "For 50 years, they've been the bully of the Middle East. They've killed hundreds of thousands of people. Now they are paying a price."