Washington: US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that a peace deal with Iran is off the table if the nation continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons, while expressing hope that the ongoing conflict "can be over very soon."
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump emphasized in an interview with Fox Business that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, stating, "They cannot have a nuclear weapon. If they don't, we're not making a deal." He reiterated that stopping Iran from developing nuclear capabilities is central to negotiations, noting the significant impact on Iran thus far.
Trump outlined potential military actions, asserting that US forces could dismantle Iran's infrastructure swiftly but expressed a preference to avoid such measures. He reiterated concerns about Iran's regional ambitions, claiming Tehran had been moving to dominate the Middle East before the US intervention, and suggested Iran would have used a nuclear weapon if they had acquired one.
He further indicated that Iran is eager to reach a deal. Talks over the weekend in Islamabad aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began in February, did not yield an agreement, although efforts for another round of discussions are ongoing. Notably, a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8 remains in effect.
Trump criticized NATO's lack of support in the conflict with Iran, questioning the alliance's value if member nations fail to assist the US. He highlighted the financial burden on the US, emphasizing a growing disconnect with NATO allies.
On relations with China, Trump stated he has a good rapport with President Xi Jinping, who assured him that China is not supplying weapons to Iran, contradicting media reports. Trump mentioned that both nations engage in mutual cyber operations but downplayed them as longstanding practices.
Trump boasted of US advancements in various sectors, claiming superiority over China in economic, technological, and military domains, and announced ongoing developments that he predicts will surpass the internet's impact.