Army Expo participants skeptical of Trump's peace deal with Iran hope: 'Give them up'
AUSA exhibitors question Trump's optimism about the Iran deal, arguing that military and economic sanctions should be tightened before Tehran talks.
Watch: Can Trump End the Iran War? Participants weigh in at the Army Exhibition
Attendees at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) show were skeptical of President Donald Trump's signal that a deal with Iran to end the war may be imminent, arguing that the United States should continue its military and economic pressure on Tehran to end the conflict.
"There is no such thing as negotiation. So I think we're probably looking at at least another year, if not two more years," he added.
Trump again says a deal is close, then confirms a last-minute deal with Iran, but details are still classified
The war started in February with joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The conflict has persisted despite an April ceasefire and a June agreement aimed at paving the way for a broader settlement, which later collapsed amid renewed fighting.
Trump remains optimistic about ending the conflict, saying earlier this month that Iran is "ready to be finished" and suggesting the war could end before November's midterm elections.
"Looks like you guys are giving up on midterms," said Lincoln from Australia.
He also argued that wealthy Gulf allies should take more responsibility for their own security.
"But it seems that the Persian Gulf allies have to step up and start doing something for themselves, to defend themselves," Lincoln said. Saudi Arabia doesn't seem to be doing enough.
"It should not be just the United States that provides the security of the whole world," he added.
Trump's deal with Iran will be hit or miss as the 60-day negotiation clock expires
Trump said Thursday that he would not use nuclear weapons against Iran, after reports emerged that the War Department was developing new attack plans that could include using the so-called "mother of all bombs" bomb against Iran's nuclear sites and energy infrastructure.
"I know they tried diplomatic channels and ... that's a good idea," said Joe from Florida. "It seems we have to move beyond that. It seems that force is needed. They keep forcing us. Let's speak their language."
One military veteran was more optimistic about the prospects for a deal, arguing that continued economic pressure on Iran could help end the conflict.
"Physically, they're in a tough situation because there's a lot of pressure on them," said Karl of Maryland. They are running out of resources, cash.
With the emergence of the dangers of collapse, the economic restraint of the United States in Iran reaches its peak
"I think that these ongoing pressures on them -- economically, sanctions -- that don't allow them to export the oil that they have done in the past to other partners will continue to pressure them to stop hostilities," he continued.
But even among those who expressed support for Trump's handling of the conflict, questions remained about whether the Trump administration could end the conflict through negotiations.
AUSA Marne: "I respect President Trump," said the chapter member. "I think he's doing whatever he can, it's the best for our country, but I highly doubt there will be any kind of brokered peace between us and Iran."
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