Trump Says Deal 'Almost Reached,' Hints Iran May Abandon Nuclear Program

[The Financial News, New York City – Reporter Lee Byung-chul] President Donald John Trump strongly suggested that a nuclear agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran may soon be reached, mentioning the possibility of additional talks over the weekend. He also voiced optimism that a deal could be concluded even without an extension of the current ceasefire. In particular, he stated that Iran had agreed never to possess a nuclear weapon.
On the 16th (local time), President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House, "The next round of negotiations between the United States of America (US) and the Islamic Republic of Iran will probably take place sometime this weekend." He added that "we have reached a substantial level of agreement with Iran," expressing confidence in the progress of the talks.
President Donald Trump also hinted that an extension of the ceasefire between Washington, D.C. and Tehran might not be necessary. His remarks were interpreted as assuming that the negotiations could be wrapped up in the near term.
He said, "The agreement with Iran is moving in a very positive direction," and stressed that "the chances of reaching a deal are very high."
He also made specific comments on the nuclear issue. President Donald Trump stated, "Iran has agreed to return the 'nuclear dust' to us." This is understood to refer to the enriched uranium remaining underground at Iranian nuclear facilities after last year’s US airstrikes. He further said, "This agreement will be an agreement without nuclear weapons," presenting the prevention of Iran’s nuclear armament as a key outcome of the negotiations.
President Donald Trump noted that if the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran reach an agreement, it "will be announced in a relatively short period of time," and added that oil prices and inflation "will fall sharply" afterward.




pride@fnnews.com Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter