'We blew up Iran's radar': Trump recounts strikes, again claims Tehran will need to buy food from US

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Thursday, July 2, offered new details about recent US military operations against Iran, saying American forces repeatedly destroyed the country's radar systems while escorting commercial oil shipments through the region.

Speaking during an interview with CNBC, the commander-in-chief also repeated his claim that Iran will ultimately purchase American agricultural products as part of a potential peace arrangement, despite Iranian officials publicly rejecting that assertion. His remarks come as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue in Doha under a 60-day ceasefire framework.

Trump says US repeatedly destroyed Iran's radar, weakened its military

Trump said the US used its naval forces to protect commercial shipping during the conflict, describing the operation as a "wall of steel" that prevented vessels from reaching Iran. "We have the great Navy, the greatest navy in the world. These guys are unbelievable. Not one ship got through to Iran," he stressed. 

The president said the US military quietly escorted oil tankers through the region with their lights turned off to avoid detection, adding that dozens of vessels were moved during the operation.

Trump also described repeated strikes against Iran's air-defense systems, saying the attacks prevented Tehran from restoring its radar capabilities: "We blew up Iran's radar, they had no radar, they still don't."

He said Iran attempted to replace the destroyed equipment before it was targeted again: "We blew it up again the other night. They had a nice new radar, they were all set to go, and we blew it up last week. They have to start all over again for a third time."

Trump argued the military campaign had significantly weakened Iran, pointing to its economic challenges and the loss of senior military leadership. "Their strength is gone, their bravado is gone."

He also criticized US media reports suggesting Iran had emerged from the conflict in a stronger position, saying the country's military leadership and defense capabilities had been substantially degraded.

Trump again says Iran will buy food from the US as Doha negotiations continue

Trump also repeated his claim that Iran would use newly available funds to purchase American agricultural products rather than rebuild its military. "They're making no money, so we're going to take some of the money, and we're going to buy them," he claimed. 

He added that Iran would require food imports and said American farmers would supply those products if negotiations continue to progress: "They need food. They need corn and wheat and soybeans, and we're going to have exclusively our American farmers provide that."

Iranian officials have rejected that characterization. Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said there is no provision in the agreements requiring Tehran to purchase agricultural products from the United States. "There is no obligation to buy agricultural inputs from the US," Hemmati said.

Trump also said he believes negotiations are moving in a positive direction. "Assuming we get to the position where we should get to. I think we're going to get there," the 80-year-old remarked.