Trump: US Nears ‘Good Deal’ with Iran as Pact Changes Surface
President Donald Trump has indicated that the US and Iran are nearing a “very good deal,” but he has also stated that if Washington does not achieve its objectives, it will “end it in a different way.” Trump’s comments were made during an interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump on Saturday night. “We’re close to a very good deal. If you’re going to be in a hurry, you’re not going to make a good deal, and slowly but surely, we’re getting what we want – and if we don’t get what we want, we’re going to end it a different way,” Trump said
Trump said the Iranians are “good negotiators,” but argued that the United States now holds “all the cards” because Iran has been “militarily defeated.” The US President said “But we’re close to a very good deal. If we can make it, good. Otherwise we just start up with the Department of War as we call it.” Trump remarked that the Iranians had claimed they were not in the process of developing a nuclear weapon; however, he posed a counterargument by questioning the scenario in which they might purchase one. “I said, well what happens if you buy a nuclear weapon. So now it says we will not develop or in any way purchase a military weapon. That’s a big difference,” he said.
The American leader insisted that the US possesses “significant leverage” over Iran, given that their navy and air force were “completely destroyed”. However, he stated that the US has not completely dismantled Iran’s military due to the presence of some more moderate leadership. Trump stated that the United States had focused on Iran’s more extreme elements and key leadership. The US President convened a meeting with his senior cabinet members and military officials in the situation room on Friday; however, it ended without providing any clear direction on forthcoming actions. It was reported that Trump requested several amendments to the agreement his envoys negotiated with their Iranian counterparts.
Trump is eager to finalise the deal in the near future, but he aims to reinforce several key aspects that hold significance for him, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear material, as reported. Trump’s request has initiated yet another cycle of exchanges between the parties that may persist for several days. “It’s more specifics about how the US gets the material and the timing,” a senior administration official said, referring to the enriched uranium. The second source informed that Trump is also seeking to modify certain phrasing regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that typically accommodates approximately one-fifth of the global energy supply. The US official indicated that Trump was informed it would require approximately three days for the Iranians to provide a response.
