Trump Says He May Reach Deal With Iran Within a Day or Two

[Financial News]  
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Donald Trump said on the 17th (local time) that he would probably meet with the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) this weekend and that a final agreement to end the war could be reached "within a day or two."
He made the remarks in an interview with Axios.
Earlier this week, Trump told the New York Post that talks would take place "within two days." He later said negotiations would resume "probably next weekend."
On the 17th, however, he moved up the timetable to this weekend.
Axios, citing multiple sources, reported that there has been substantial progress in talks between the US and IRI. It said the two sides are now in the final stage of a three-page peace plan, but still have not narrowed their differences on key issues.
Axios also noted that Trump, who claimed to have spoken separately with the Iranian side over the past few days, was clearly optimistic.
In a brief phone interview, Trump said, "The Iranians want to meet" and "They want a deal." He added, "I think the meeting will probably take place this weekend," and said, "I think we will reach an agreement in a day or two."
The biggest issue is the nuclear program.
The US is reportedly considering a proposal to release $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran giving up enriched uranium.
The plan would also require Iran to stop enriching uranium in the future.
It remains unclear whether Iran, which fears that its survival could be threatened without nuclear weapons, would agree to give them up.
The two sides are also at odds over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to all until a deal is reached, saying the U.S. Navy blockade would continue until then.
Iran, meanwhile, said on the 17th that it would keep the strait open for the remainder of the ceasefire period. However, it did not disclose details on how that would be done. The ceasefire ends on the 21st.
Meanwhile, Trump suggested that the goal of the war is Israel's security.
He said the peace agreement would "make Israel safe" and that by the end of the war, "Israel will get a great result."
Trump also said that Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon should stop under the ceasefire agreement announced on the 16th. "Israel has to stop. They should not keep blowing up buildings," he said. "I will not allow it."
On the first day of the ceasefire, Israel carried out a drone strike in Southern Lebanon.
Some hardliners within the Government of Israel oppose the ceasefire agreement and want the war with Iran and Lebanon to continue. However, that is difficult as long as Trump opposes it.
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dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter