In an interview with a U.S. television station, Foreign Minister Zarif characterised the maximum pressure campaign against Iran as “economic terrorism”. He described the possibility of negotiation with President Trump as “not very likely” and maintained: “He is imposing pressure, this may work in a real estate market, it does not work in dealing with Iran”. Asked to comment on the alleged “cruise missiles being put on small Iranian boats” in the Persian Gulf, Zarif maintained that “we have the right to defend ourselves … these ships are located very close to our waters, we have the right to put whatever missiles we want to put on them”. He concluded his remarks by saying to Trump, “threats against Iran never work. Never threaten an Iranian, try respect. That may work”.