President Donald Trump has defended ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing the current talks as fundamentally different from the nuclear agreement reached during the Obama administration and insisting that Tehran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
In a lengthy statement posted online, Trump sharply criticized the previous Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, calling it “one of the worst deals ever made” by the United States.
Trump argued that the previous agreement created what he described as “a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon.” He contrasted that deal with the negotiations currently being pursued by his administration, saying the approach now being taken was “the exact opposite.”
The U.S. President said that discussions with Tehran are progressing in what he described as an “orderly and constructive manner,” while emphasizing that his administration would not rush to finalize an agreement. “I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal [and] that time is on our side,” he added.
Also, Trump said that the US naval blockade on the waterway “will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”
“Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”“
Donald Trump
The U.S President suggested that relations between Washington and Tehran have improved during the course of the ongoing discussions. “Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one,” he added.
Despite that assessment, Trump reiterated that the United States would not permit Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
“They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. I would like to thank, thus far, all of the countries of the Middle East for their support and cooperation, which will be further enhanced and strengthened by their joining the Nations of the historic Abraham Accords and, who knows, perhaps the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to join, as well!”
Donald Trump
This follows after Trump said last night that an agreement had been “largely negotiated” with Tehran. Trump wrote on social media that he had a “very good call” with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and others about a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.”
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed. Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.”
Donald Trump
Trump also said that he had a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which “went very well.”
Rubio Touts Progress In U.S-Iran Talks
Meanwhile, U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in New Delhi that“significant progress” has been made in talks to end the US-Israel war on Iran, hours after President Donald Trump claimed that a memorandum of understanding to end the fighting was “largely negotiated.”
“Some progress has been made, significant progress, although not final progress has been made. I do think perhaps there is the possibility that in the next few hours the world will get some good news.”
Marco Rubio
He added that the agreement would also start a “process that can ultimately leave us where the President wants us to be, and that is a world that no longer has to fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon.”
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said that under a potential memorandum of understanding, the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would return to pre-war levels within weeks. “If the agreement is reached, the Strait of Hormuz will not fully return to its pre-war status; instead, the number of ships allowed to pass would be restored to pre-war levels within 30 days,” the news agency reported.
The news agency added that the US naval blockade on Iranian ports must be completely lifted within 30 days, according to the potential memorandum of understanding, stating that at least part of Iran’s frozen funds must be released in the first phase of the agreement. It said that the potential deal also includes an end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
The news agency also disclosed that the measures on the Strait of Hormuz would take effect over a 30-day period while negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme would continue over 60 days after the potential agreement is signed.
READ ALSO: Japan, Philippines Reaffirm Opposition To China’s Actions In Disputed Waters
