Trump defends length of military operation in Iran: ‘Don’t rush me’

President Trump on Thursday defended the duration of his military operation in Iran, saying there is no need to put a timetable on reaching a deal.

Mr. Trump said the conflict has not lasted long, historically speaking, pointing to major wars that lasted years.

“Don’t rush me,” Mr. Trump told White House reporters. “How many years was Vietnam?”

American involvement in Vietnam began in the 1950s; U.S. combat troops arrived in 1965, and the war ended in 1973.

Mr. Trump has characterized the Iran war as a short-term “excursion” into the Middle East that would be completed quickly.

He wants to strike a deal that prevents Tehran from pursuing a nuclear weapon, however, and is giving Iran space to put forward a peace proposal while he blockades Iranian ports.

“We have no pressure,” Mr. Trump said. “I want to make the best deal. We have plenty of time.”

He said the delay in reaching a deal is due in part to factions within Iran between hardliners and moderates.

“They’re fighting like cats and dogs,” Mr. Trump said. “They don’t even know who is leading the country. They’re in turmoil.”

U.S. stocks closed in negative territory Thursday amid the turmoil from the war, while Brent crude oil jumped to $105 per barrel.

Mr. Trump acknowledged that Americans might have to pay more for gas for longer, given the impact of the conflict on oil prices.

“You know what they [Americans] get for that?” Mr. Trump said. “Iran without a nuclear weapon that is going to try and blow up one of our cities or blow up the entire Middle East.”