Donald Trump says America is ‘always ready’ for military strike against Iran as he announces ‘highest-ever sanctions’ against Tehran
DONALD Trump said the US is "always ready" for a military strike against Iran as he announced the "highest-ever sanctions".
The US President said it would be "very easy, easiest thing" to give Iran a taste of Amercia's military strength if they continue to ignore his warnings and finance terror operations.
He told reporters in the Oval Office the newest sanctions target the Islamic Republic's national bank over Tehran's alleged involvement in a series of drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities last weekend.
He declared: "We have just sanctioned the Iranian National Bank. That is their central banking system.
"And it’s going to be at the highest level of sanctions.
"These are the strongest sanctions ever put on the country. We are at a level of sanctions that is far greater than ever before, with respect to Iran.
"Iran could be a great country, a rich country. But they are choosing to go a different way."
The Treasury Secretary Steve Munchin added: "This is very big. We’ve now cut off all source of funds to Iran."
The Treasury also said it was making it a crime to do business with Etemad Tejarat Pars, an Iranian-based company accused of hiding financial transfers that funded military purchases.
They are charged with providing funds to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - an Iranian military force Mr Trump designated a terror organisation.
'ALL-OUT WAR'
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has repeatedly said any meeting between himself and Mr Trump would only happen if the sanctions were reduced.
He has also denied any responsibility in the drone strikes that happened last Saturday, disrupting half of Saudi Arabia's oil supply and the daily equivalent of five per cent of the world’s oil supply.
Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have taken responsibility, but US officials have pointed the finger at Tehran.
Saudi Arabia also accused Iran of the attacks as Tehran warned any military response from the US would results in an "all-out war".
The 45th President told reporters during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison today: "We are by far the strongest military in the world.
"Going into Iran would be a very easy decision, as I said before, would be very easy, easiest thing.
"And most people thought I would go in, in two seconds. But plenty of time, plenty of time.
"I think I'm showing great restraint. A lot of people respect it.
"Some people don't. Some people say, we should go in immediately. And other people are so thrilled with what I am doing."
Iran knows if they misbehave, they’re on borrowed time.
Trump
Mr Trump added: "I think it shows far more strength to do it the way we’re doing it. And again, whether it’s next week or two weeks or three weeks doesn’t make any difference.
"Whether it’s now or in three weeks doesn’t make any difference.
"But I think the strong person’s approach and the thing that does show strength would be showing a little bit of restraint. Much easier to do it the other way. It’s much easier.
"And Iran knows if they misbehave, they’re on borrowed time."
It comes after Mr Trump threatened to release thousands of jihadis on to the streets of Europe if America’s allies refuse to take back "their" terrorists.
He challenged France, Germany and other countries to take back citizens who were captured fighting for ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
He said: "'If Europe doesn't take them, then I have no choice but to release them into the countries from which they came, which is Germany, and France, and other places."
Mr Trump said the US and its allies are holding "thousands" of Islamic State fighters after forcing the extremist group to abandon the last territory it held in Syria.
The Donald told reporters at the White House that European countries need to take back their citizens who joined the extremist group and are now being held prisoner.
He said the U.S. will not hold them at its base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, "for the next 50 years and pay for it."
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