U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if an agreement is reached to end the three-month-long conflict with Iran, Washington could cooperate with Tehran on the seizure and destruction of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Trump added that if no agreement is achieved, the U.S. would continue to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, and the pressure would continue until the U.S. military is in a safe position to take control of the nuclear materials in question using its own capabilities. Noting that the U.S. Space Force’s surveillance capabilities make it possible to track related activities, Trump said the parties were “very close” to signing an agreement.
Donald Trump Wants Iran to Hand Over Its Nuclear Materials to Them Unconditionally
However, Trump insisted that Iran must make additional concessions regarding its complete abandonment of its nuclear program. Trump indicated that he wants to add new clauses to the agreement to prevent Iran from circumventing the restrictions through indirect channels, and he noted that he has requested the inclusion of the phrases “purchase, acquire, or obtain” in addition to the “not to develop nuclear weapons” clause in the draft text. Trump said that Iran initially rejected this change but later backed down.
Donald Trump also said that lifting sanctions against Iran or unfreezing Iranian assets was not a precondition for the agreement. Noting that Iranian assets would not be released right away after a potential agreement is signed, Trump said, “That’s a later issue.” If they behave well and do a good job, then we’ll start discussing these matters” he said.
Trump argued that previous US administrations bore responsibility for Iran’s nuclear weapons program, recalling that during Barack Obama’s term, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the easing of sanctions as a result of negotiations between Iran and six countries. Trump had withdrawn the U.S. from this agreement during his first term.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump also addressed the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policies, saying that he sees no reason to raise interest rates under current circumstances.
