Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 31: US President Donald Trump said the United States is close to finalising a nuclear agreement with Iran but warned that military action remains on the table if negotiations do not succeed.
In an interview with Fox News at the White House, Trump said the administration’s primary objective is to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
He said negotiators were “close to a very good deal,” adding that if an agreement could not be reached, the United States would take a different course of action.
According to Trump, discussions have focused on preventing Iran from developing or obtaining nuclear weapons, with Tehran reportedly agreeing in principle to such language. He said the scope of negotiations had been expanded to also prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through external sources.
The US President described the talks as difficult, noting that Iranian negotiators were firm and the process was progressing slowly. However, he said he believed steady progress was being made toward an outcome favourable to Washington.
Trump reiterated that while he preferred a diplomatic solution, the US would respond if its conditions were not met. He added that any agreement that failed to safeguard US interests would be unacceptable.
He also argued that Iran was negotiating from a weakened position following recent US military actions in the region. He further stated that a potential deal would include provisions related to maritime security, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or tolls.
The President dismissed concerns that domestic political factors, including upcoming midterm elections, would influence his approach, saying his decisions would be guided solely by national interests.
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a long-term arrangement after months of heightened tensions in the Middle East over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities.