President Donald Trump said on Sunday that it is “highly unlikely” the United States will need to go back to war with Iran, as long as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz keep moving forward.

Trump repeated the phrase five times during a 20-minute phone interview with CNN’s Jim Sciutto. “It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump said, referring to Iran.

“The answer is highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary. They’re a failing nation. It just came out, you saw this year, 301% inflation. Highly unlikely it will be necessary. I would if necessary, but we hit them really hard. I hit them so hard. You don’t know how hard I hit them.”

Eight months after the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran in the early hours of February 28, the region remains caught between diplomatic efforts and the possibility of renewed hostilities.

The fundamental disagreements that brought the countries into conflict remain unresolved. U.S. and Iran are still divided over security, nuclear ambitions, sanctions and control of the Straight of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Israel remains deeply concerned about Iran’s military capabilities and regional influence.

President Donald Trump has continued making statements suggesting that the U.S. has not exhausted its military options against Iran.