Trump Says He May Travel to Pakistan This Weekend If Deal Is Reached

[The Financial News] President Donald Trump emphasized that talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) to end the conflict are in their final stages, fueling expectations that an agreement is near. However, major differences remain over the core issue of uranium, and it is still unclear whether a real deal will be reached.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on the 16th local time, President Donald Trump said, "We have made a lot of progress in the negotiations with Iran and we are very close to an agreement," adding, "The next round of talks could take place this weekend."
He claimed that Iran had agreed not to possess nuclear weapons and had also consented to ship its enriched uranium to the United States. President Donald Trump said, "They have a very strong document saying they will not possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years," suggesting that a long-term nuclear restriction deal had effectively been reached.
It has not been confirmed, however, whether these points have actually been agreed. The prohibition on nuclear weapons and the handling of uranium remain the biggest sticking points for both sides, and the gap in their positions is still believed to be wide. Some observers suggest that President Donald Trump may be trying to pressure Iran by treating the conclusion of a deal as a foregone conclusion.
President Donald Trump also highlighted the potential economic benefits of an agreement. He said, "If a deal is reached, oil prices and consumer prices will fall and inflation will ease," expressing hope that it would help stabilize public sentiment in the United States.
Conversely, he warned of a military response if the talks collapse. President Donald Trump stated, "If there is no agreement, the fighting will resume," hinting at the possibility of restarting military operations.
He also signaled a willingness to take part in the talks himself. Asked about the possibility of visiting Islamabad, Pakistan, where the negotiations are being held, he replied, "I will go," and added, "If a deal is concluded, I may go."
The two sides held a first round of talks in Pakistan on the 11th but ended the meeting without an agreement. The cease-fire deadline runs until the 21st.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said that the 10-day cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon also covers Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian armed faction. He further mentioned that the leaders of the two countries could meet at the White House within one to two weeks, underscoring his role as mediator.
Externally, he also voiced dissatisfaction with allied nations. President Donald Trump criticized Australia over its defense spending increases, saying, "The United States did not receive help when it needed it." Referring to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), he added, "We have borne enormous costs, but we did not receive sufficient support on the Strait of Hormuz issue."

km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter