President says Iran has not agreed to end war because leaders are strong and proud

President Trump said Friday that Iranian officials have not yet reached a deal with the U.S. to end the ongoing war because they are strong and proud. “They’re strong, they’re proud, there are things they never thought they’d be doing that they’re going to have to do.

They’ve got no choice, and it takes a little while,” the president told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker. The war entered its fourth month last week. Officials from both nations agreed to a ceasefire in April that has been extended several times.

Recent military actions Tensions flared earlier this week when the U.S. and Iran traded strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told House lawmakers Wednesday that the military operation, called “Operation Epic Fury,” has concluded.

Rubio said the strikes were defensive and came in response to Iranian attacks on ships near the strait. Iran closed the strait months ago, leading to higher global oil prices and higher U.S. gas prices.

Statements on timeline and damage During the interview, the president said reaching a deal takes years and compared the current conflict to the Vietnam War. He said the U.S. has destroyed most Iranian drone factories, launching pads, and missile manufacturing areas but that Iran retains some missiles and drones.

Iran launched attacks across the Persian Gulf earlier this week, including strikes that hit Kuwait International Airport. The president has said the war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran to prevent Iranian officials from building a nuclear weapon.