07/06/2026
Share:
07/06/2026
Share:
WASHINGTON, Jun 7: U.S. President Donald Trump said he has no plans to withdraw American troops from the Middle East, stating in an interview with NBC News that U.S. forces will remain in the region “until such time as we have a completion.” He added that maintaining the troop presence costs the United States very little and is part of ongoing regional security objectives.
Trump also claimed that Iran’s military capability has been significantly weakened, saying Tehran retains only around “21% to 22%” of its pre-war missile stockpile. He said, “We have totally destroyed their military. They have some missiles left. They have some drones left,” without providing evidence for the assessment.
In the interview, Trump declined to confirm whether he knew the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but said there was “a good probability” that he did. He did not provide further details.
Since assuming the position of Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances, and no official images or recordings of him have been released, according to public records.
Meanwhile, the United States will not immediately unfreeze Iranian assets under any potential agreement, U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC News, adding that sanctions relief would depend on changes in Iran’s behavior.
According to the interview, Trump indicated that any easing of restrictions or release of frozen Iranian funds would only come after a formal deal is reached, stressing that such steps would not be part of an initial agreement framework. His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic and military tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East region.
Trump said Washington would consider sanctions relief “after” an agreement is completed, suggesting that compliance and improved conduct by Tehran would be required before any financial or economic concessions are made.
The comments add to earlier statements in which the U.S. president maintained that negotiations with Iran remain conditional, with no immediate rollback of sanctions or access to frozen assets expected prior to a comprehensive settlement.
