Trump: US Will Exit Iran ‘Quickly,’ Return for ‘Surgical Strikes’ If Needed; Weighs NATO Withdrawal

In an interview with Reuters, Donald Trump said the United States “will exit Iran quickly” and will return if needed for “surgical strikes.” When asked when America considers the war with the Islamic Republic to be over, Trump replied: “I cannot say exactly, but we will exit quickly.” He added that US actions have guaranteed that the Islamic Republic will not have nuclear weapons: “They are now unable to build nuclear weapons, then I will exit and take everyone with me, and if necessary we will return for surgical strikes.” Trump also said in the interview that he intends to express his dissatisfaction with NATO, as he believes the alliance has not supported America’s goals in Iran. He said he is fully considering trying to withdraw the United States from NATO.